GUEST COMMENTARY: A time to give

The covid-19 pandemic continues to reshape our Arkansas community, its residents and businesses. The long-term sustainability of nonprofit organizations, providing significant support to many of our neighbors, is in question at a time when their services are critically needed. It's become increasingly clear that purposeful action from community leaders at all levels will be needed to ensure these organizations have the right resources to remain viable.

A recent national survey reports that 85% of nonprofits have experienced a reduction in revenue and more than 70% have reduced their programs and services. Arkansas nonprofits have experienced similar impacts. In a recent study, 82% of Arkansas nonprofits reported complete program cancellations and 64% experienced reductions in revenues.

Now, it's more important than ever for businesses to step up and support their communities. Tyson Foods is fortunate to be a part of more than 100 communities across the country and recognizes the importance of supporting its team members, their families and their plant communities.

In times of uncertainty, food on a family's table means they have one less thing to worry about. For many of our communities, the ripple effect of the quarantine means jobs are lost, bills stack up and people need food beyond the grocery store. Through various efforts, Tyson donated more food over the past year than ever in its 85-year history. We're proud to have donated more than 30 million pounds, or the equivalent of 120 million meals, during the last 12 months to fight hunger. The donations come from the more than $75 million in contributions the company's made to support its team members and plant communities during the pandemic.

Tyson also awarded over $757,000 in grants to organizations in Arkansas. The grants focused on hunger and covid-19 relief, childcare services, education and school supplies, family financial assistance, health care and well being, domestic and sexual violence, and medical equipment/supplies. These investments have had a meaningful impact on local organizations such as Samaritan House Community Center, Marshallese Educational Initiative and the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank.

Internally, Tyson also launched GiveFest. This monthlong series of team member events helped raise money for Northwest Arkansas nonprofits that our community members rely on most. GiveFest helped team members learn more about the local nonprofit community, the services they provide, the skilled volunteers they need and how Tyson can help. With the assistance of a grant from the Tyson Family Foundation, the series raised more than $200,000 for 55 organizations based in Northwest Arkansas.

We will continue to support nonprofit organizations and the critical services they provide through our matched giving program, "Giving Together," which makes it easy for our team members to support the charities that mean the most to them.

During these times of uncertainty, there are many ways to channel feelings of helplessness into moments of hope. Discover yours. Get involved by volunteering or donating to organizations that are inspiring and accelerating change. There's a role for you to play and we hope our actions encourage others to "step up and show up" in their own communities.