17 nonprofits, 9 in state, get Tyson gifts

Tyson Foods Inc. is donating nearly $400,000 to 17 nonprofit organizations in 10 states, with about half the money going to Arkansas-based groups.

The Springdale-based company is awarding $195,748 to nine Arkansas nonprofits, including community foundations, educational institutions and emergency medical services.

Tyson’s efforts are centered on building healthier communities, addressing food insecurity, and helping company workers nationwide, Tyson spokesman Derek Burleson said.

The largest single donation — $46,660 — went to Tyson’s Upward Academy program, part of the Ozark Literacy Council, which caters to immigrant plant workers who are not fluent in English.

Other organizations that received more than $20,000 in donations, including two family shelters in Northwest Arkansas, include the House of Hope Rescue Mission in Springdale, for feeding and assisting the homeless, and the Peace at Home Family Shelter in Fayetteville, for Tyson chaplain training to manage domestic abuse related to employees.

Grants totaling $43,500 were given to the Rogers, Springdale and Clarksville school districts, which will use the money for training programs, classroom enrichment and enrollment support for select students.

Outside of the state, Tyson donated $25,000 to a Catholic Charities food pantry in Omaha, Neb., and $23,500 to a food bank in Nashville, Tenn.