JBS USA’s Hometown Strong Initiative is investing in more than 50 communities in the United States, and one of those communities is Russellville.

Pilgrim’s Pride, as part of the Hometown Strong Initiative, is investing $580,000 in Russellville to support the local community. Nationally Pilgrim’s is putting $20 million into different communities, and JBS USA Jobs is contributing $50 million nationwide.

“Pilgrim’s values our role in the communities where our employees live and work,” said a JBS USA representative. “Through the challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic, the Hometown Strong initiative is one of the ways Pilgrim’s is helping communities like Russellville respond and build for the future with strength and stability.”

Pilgrim’s is meeting with different community leaders to determine the best ways to use the funds to address food insecurity, community infrastructure, community well-being and COVID-19 emergency response and relief efforts.

There is no deadline when the funds have to be used by, but the hope is to have all funds allocated by the end of the year.

One project which has already been approved will allocate $309,000 to Russellville for the building of the state’s largest splash pad, which will be free of charge to the community.

“The well-being of Russellville is essential to our success at Pilgrim’s, and we want to be a good neighbor,” said Kevin Touchstone, Pilgrim’s Russellville complex manager. “Through the Hometown Strong program, we are honored to help build a stronger community for us all.”

Russellville Mayor David Grissom said he proud to have a company like Pilgrim’s in Russellville supporting the local economy and the community as a whole.

“I would like to thank Pilgrim’s Russellville for their huge economic impact in the City of Russellville and Franklin County,” Grissom said. “I recently attended a tour of the Pilgrim’s Russellville facility that included a great presentation showing Pilgrim’s contribution to our local Russellville/Franklin County economy and about coronavirus safety protocols for employees during these unprecedented times.

“Special thanks to Pilgrim’s for being our largest employer in Franklin County and to all Pilgrim’s team members for providing food for our people during these unprecedented times.”