FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Aug. 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tyson Foods, Inc. will donate the protein for up to 308,000 meals to families across America for every five-pound bag of Tyson® chicken nuggets purchased at Sam's Club stores August 15 - September 1. The donation is part of the "Be a Hunger Hero" campaign to educate kids about childhood hunger through coloring books and secret identity cards given at six nationwide in-store demonstrations throughout the month of August.
The "Be a Hunger Hero" campaign, created through a partnership between Tyson Foods, the Tyson Foundation, Champions for Kids and Sam's Club, aims to fight childhood hunger by providing four ounces of protein for each meal, to families in need. The program is supported by www.BeaHungerHero.com , where people can learn about ways to help fight childhood hunger in their own communities, and the in-store demos occurring nationally August 16, 17, and 28 through 31.
The partnering organizations expect the campaign to spread awareness about childhood hunger and teach children that small steps can go a long way toward helping someone who needs it.
"The 'Be a Hunger Hero' program encourages young people to don the identity of a superhero," said Blake Brandes, chief program officer for Champions for Kids. "When helping people is part of who we are, we don't help others out of a sense of obligation. We help them out of a deep and personal commitment to improving the world around us."
In addition to purchasing Tyson® chicken nuggets August 15 - September 1, participants can "be a hunger hero" by completing a service project or donating to a hunger relief organization in their communities. The first 2,500 "heroes" to post pictures of their contribution at www.facebook.com/clubtyson will receive a free food dipper cone. Sam's Club will make purchasing Tyson® chicken nuggets even easier on August 29, 30 and 31 through a $2 instant savings for club members.
Tyson Foods' current hunger relief campaign, KNOW Hunger, is focused on helping more people understand and join the effort to eliminate hunger in America. The company also partners with Share Our Strength, Lift Up America, and Feeding America to raise awareness and help feed the hungry across the nation. In the past 13 years, Tyson Foods has donated more than 93 million pounds of protein in the United States.
Social Media:
Hashtag- #HungerHeroes
Twitter- @champions4kids, @TysonFoods
Facebook
- www.facebook.com/ChampionsForKids
- www.facebook.com/clubtyson
Download Photos:
Photo No. 1: (left to right) Charley Childers, Julia Watts, John Tyler Watts work on coloring books as they learn about what it takes to fight childhood hunger.
Photo No. 2: (adults from left to right) Justin Dickson, Drew Childers, Jennifer Watts, a Sam's Club employee, Tamara Ash, Cathy Cooper, Ivy LaClair, Chris Magness; (children left to right) Julia Watts, Charley Childers, John Tyler Watts pictured at the Fayetteville, Ark. Sam's Club at the "Be a Hunger Hero" kickoff event.
About Champions for Kids:
Champions for Kids makes it simple to give kids in your community the resources they need to thrive. Please visit www.championsforkids.org for more information or call 479-582-2008.
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.
Media Contacts: Ivy LaClair Director of Communications, Champions for Kids 479-274-0752 or Krista Cupp Public Relations Specialist, Tyson Foods, Inc. 479-290-5195 or
