SPRINGDALE, Ark., July 1, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As part of its partnership with Team Rubicon , a military veterans' group, Tyson Foods, Inc. today unveiled a donated 53-foot semitrailer to serve as the organization's command center during disaster relief.
The trailer includes sleeping quarters and office and storage space for Team Rubicon's staff and volunteers. The partnership, announced earlier this year, will combine Team Rubicon's knowledge of logistics planning in the field with Tyson Foods' experience in providing food to victims and aid workers.
The trailer debuted at a company cookout where a Tyson Foods disaster relief cook team served meals similar to what the company would serve when assisting during a disaster. Tyson Foods will mobilize the unit alongside the company's Meals that Matter ™ disaster response unit, when appropriate, and will work collaboratively onsite to bring assistance to disaster victims and aid workers.
"I've seen firsthand what Team Rubicon does to help people in the wake of a disaster, and it's truly amazing," said Pat Bourke, manager of Corporate Social Responsibility for Tyson Foods. "There's no doubt that this partnership will strengthen our own ability to feed victims and volunteers and enhance Team Rubicon's recovery and cleanup efforts following a disaster."
"Command and control must be established quickly during disasters to ensure that the most pressing needs are met, and this trailer will be a valuable resource," said Jake Wood, cofounder and CEO of Team Rubicon. "We are extremely grateful for Tyson Foods' support of not only our mission, but the continued example they set by providing warm meals to communities in need."
Team Rubicon was established by Wood, and fellow former Marine William McNulty, following the Haiti Earthquake in 2010. What sets the non-profit organization apart from other relief organizations is that it combines the skills and experiences of veterans with those of first responders. Beyond helping disaster survivors, their work helps veterans reintegrate through continued service.
Four years after the quake, Team Rubicon has grown from eight to 16,000 members—most of whom are military veterans. Team Rubicon has more than 60 operations under its belt now, including Superstorm Sandy, Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, and several deadly tornadoes this year in Nebraska, Mississippi and Arkansas. Team Rubicon was recognized at the Clinton Global Initiative for its accomplishments during Superstorm Sandy.
Tyson Foods first launched its Meals that Matter ™ disaster response unit in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. In April, both Team Rubicon and Tyson Foods deployed after a deadly tornado struck Central Arkansas. Tyson Foods served more than 40,000 meals and Team Rubicon spent weeks assisting with recovery and cleanup.
Learn more about the partnership .
Editor's Note: To view a broadcast quality, time-lapse video of Team Rubicon's trailer being outfitted with graphics, please click here . ( http://bit.ly/1o0iMRY )
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN ), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to be involved with son Don Tyson leading the company for many years and grandson John H. Tyson serving as the current Chairman of the Board of Directors. Tyson Foods produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. The company provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. It has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
About Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon (TR) unites the skills and experience of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. TR offers veterans a chance to continue their service by helping and empowering those afflicted by disasters, and also themselves.
Krista Cupp at 479-290-5195
