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TYSON FOODS SUPPORTS AGRICULTURE EDUCATION THROUGH $75,000 GIFT TO FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Tyson Foods has pledged a gift of $75,000 to the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation to benefit the Agricultural Science Programs in the Fayetteville School District.

This gift, made through Tyson Foods’ Corporate Charitable Giving Program, fits the Company’s commitment to funding outstanding programs and projects pertaining to the education of students and the promotion of the study of Agriculture, among other fields.

“It is a wonderful gift and the beginning of a great partnership with Tyson Foods,” says Superintendent Vicki Thomas.  “These funds will focus on enhancements for our Agricultural Science Programs, leading to college and career-ready graduates.”

The gift comes to the district at a very exciting time.  The Fayetteville Schools Agriculture program is expanding rapidly.  When Phase II of the new Fayetteville High School is completed in 2015, students will enter a new era in agricultural education.  The new agriculture facility at FHS will offer students three new classrooms, space for agri-business, indoor and outdoor science labs (with space for live animals), a greenhouse and three new shops to accommodate gas engines and electronics, welding and carpentry, and woodworking.  “This is one of those rare chances that an educator gets to expand their program and be able to teach and operate with equipment and materials that are not always within reach, says Bill Laney, FHS Agriculture Instructor.

The Fayetteville Public Education Foundation will utilize this gift to fund innovative agriculture programs and projects through the Foundation’s annual grant process.  The funding from Tyson Foods will aid in purchasing tools, equipment and supplies to train future agri-scientists.  Funding will also impact the programs at Woodland and Ramay Junior Highs – the four agriculture teachers serve not only FHS but the Junior High programs as well.  There are consistently 375-400 students served by the Fayetteville Schools Agriculture program.  And, within the Fayetteville School District, the study of agriculture is consistently in the top five with students’ interests.

About Tyson Foods Charitable Giving:

Tyson Foods is committed to providing community support and charitable contributions that make a difference to Team Members, their families, consumers and the communities in which they live and work.   Tyson Foods has fought hunger in the U.S. for a decade, donating more than 86 million pounds of protein. The company partners with Food Research and Action Center, Feeding America, Share Our Strength, Lift Up America and the League of United Latin American Citizens to raise awareness and help feed the hungry across the nation. As part of its 2012 “Show Us Your Nugget Face” promotion (www.ShowUsYourNuggetFace.com), where the public voted on their favorite children pictured with Tyson Chicken Nuggets, Tyson Foods pledged to donate 1 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations across America.

In addition to the company’s primary national hunger relief efforts, Tyson Foods invests in community projects that can deliver measurable results for sustainable improvements in the communities in which there are Tyson Foods operating locations. Tyson Foods focuses the majority of its charitable investments in targeted areas of Hunger Relief, Health and Human Services, Education, Community Development projects, and specific Military/Veteran programs.   More information can be found at http://www.tysonfoods.com/About-Tyson/Charitable-Giving-Guidelines.aspx.