JBS Foods earmarks $2M for Brooks pandemic support

JBS Foods has set aside $2 million for projects and programs in Brooks to help the community deal with the effects of the pandemic and long-term recovery, the food giant announced Thursday.

The company’s packing plant in Brooks was the site of a significant outbreak of the coronavirus last spring and food processing plants across the continent were hit hard by the respiratory disease.

The Brazilian-based company that has North American headquarters in Colorado says it will spend a total of $50 million at locations of its 60-plus facilities as part of its “Hometown Strong” initiative.

The company is now discussing needs with local community groups in the southeastern Alberta city to determine immediate and longerterm needs.

“(It allows) us to make a lasting investment that will strengthen our community and improve the lives of our team members and neighbours,” stated David Colwell, president of JBS Foods Canada.

“(We)recognize our responsibility as large employer in the area.”

The plant employs about 2,800 workers in the community of 16,000, according the company, and on top of annual payroll of C$110 million, purchasing from 500 beef producers in the region totals about C$1.6 billion per year.

Brooks Mayor Barry Morishita states in the release that JBS has been a “great partner and corporate citizen.”

“Their dedication to supporting our local organizations, events and activities is outstanding.”