Pilgrim's Europe is in the third year of its primary charity partnership with Mind, a mental health charity. Mind believes that no one should have to face a mental health problem alone; everybody who works at Pilgrim's Europe is part of our family. Sometimes family members are affected by mental health issues that have a devastating impact on their lives. It is then up to the whole family to take action by offering meaningful support. We're keen to continue to work with Mind to enhance our understanding of mental health issues and to ensure that our business is properly equipped to offer the necessary support when our employees need it most as such we have extended our partnership with them for a further two years.

Pilgrim's Europe has donated more than £60,000 to 15 community organizations across the UK for projects aimed at supporting and enriching the lives of those in need. These awards mark the first tranche of groups to benefit from the £1 million fund Pilgrim's Europe established to support community groups local to its operations across Europe. One group to benefit from the Pilgrim's Europe Community Support Fund in Northern Ireland is the Blackwater Community Barge organization in Dungannon, which helps make the Blackwater River accessible to those who are disabled and less abled. The group aims to support wellbeing and boost mental health, focusing on the calming elements of water, and teach about nature and the local landscape. Brian MacAuley, Secretary from the Blackwater Community Barge said, “With support from Pilgrim's Europe and through fundraising activity, we will be able to purchase a new purpose-built wheelchair accessible boat. With this, we can reach even more members of the community who may not have been able to enjoy riverside and water activities previously and will benefit from seeing the local area in a new way. “While we have not been able to take users out over the lockdown period, the Blackwater Community Barge group has been busy carrying out conservation work on the river, getting it ready for when the barge arrives. We are incredibly grateful to have secured funding from Moy Park's Community Support Fund and look forward to supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of those in our community further through this project.” Another group to benefit from the Pilgrim's Europe Community Support Fund in England is emergency response charity, LIVES in Grantham. Pilgrim's Europe donated £12,850 for a defibrillator replacement program. A LIVES responder carries their own defibrillator, so that they are ready for any medical emergency they are called to, and when minutes matter in a cardiac arrest, the LIVES responder and their defibrillators make a difference. Zoe Dean, Community Partnerships Manager at LIVES said, “We are thrilled to have been awarded support from the Pilgrim's Europe Community Support Fund. The defibrillator replacement program is a costly task, but the benefits will be extensive. The new defibrillators will allow the data recorded to be uploaded to the patient's records and will allow the hospitals to make a more informed decision on patient care. The new equipment will also allow us to evaluate our CPR activity and drive future training. This project will fund 10 defibrillators in the Grantham area and we are extremely excited to be working with Pilgrim's Europe on this project."

Pilgrim's Europe established a £1 million Community Support Fund aimed at supporting and enriching the lives of those in need across its local communities. This new initiative builds on Pilgrim's Europe's range of existing and long-established community measures, including charity and educational programs. Pilgrim's Europe's HR and Performance Director, Kirsty Wilkins said, “The food industry plays a vital role, keeping our supermarket shelves stocked and we are thankful to our local towns, villages and team members who are part of this important effort. Pilgrim's Europe is a people focused organization, and we invest heavily in development opportunities for our colleagues in the workplace. This new community initiative is a natural extension of this approach and we look forward to receiving applications from local groups.”

Pilgrim's Europe has awarded £4,800 to local charity Stand To – Supporting Mental Health to fund CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training for 200 young adults in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area. The funding has been provided by Pilgrim's Europe's Community Support Fund – a £1million fund through which the company supports good causes in the communities local to its sites across the UK. Established in Rathfriland, Stand To – Supporting Mental Health is a community group helping people, young and old, who are suffering from mental health and well-being issues. Made up of volunteers from all walks of life, across Northern Ireland, the charity provides tailored workshops that bring people together to learn new skills as well as talk about their problems. With Pilgrim's Europe's support, the latest series of workshops will see 200 young people learn vital lifesaving skills. Speaking after a recent training workshop at New-Bridge Integrated College, Loughbrickland, Stand To's David Topping said: “We are delighted to be a recipient of Pilgrim's Europe's Community Support Fund. This project will see 200 young adults aged 16-25 throughout the local area receive accredited training in AED and CPR. We have seen incidents over the past number of months where defibrillators and CPR have saved lives locally. These basic life saving skills can be used in any serious incident where a person has stopped breathing and medical help is on its way. It could mean the difference between life and death for someone and we are grateful to have the opportunity to deliver this vital training.”

Pilgrim's Europe helped launch a new Farm Africa strategy, which will support the charity's goals through 2025. Farm Africa’s mission is to support sustainable and gainful farming to benefit the planet and people. The new launched strategy is based on three key pillars: Farm Africa will support one million smallholder farmers and agro-pastoralists per year to increase their productivity, household incomes and resilience to shocks. Farm Africa will support at least 200 farmer groups, cooperatives and small and growing businesses to grow sustainably and support 12 private sector partners to transition to sustainable supply chains. Farm Africa will implement integrated landscape management projects in all countries of operation, supporting the sustainable management of 12 priority landscapes, including forests, rangelands and coastal ecosystems. “This is a huge step in the right direction, and I am excited to see what the future holds,” said Rachel Baldwin, vice president of human resources. “Farm Africa is helping tackle and support climate change, gender equality, youth employment, resilience and Agri tech – all of which is helping create a better future for farmers in Africa. But all of this is backed up by a solid strategy and plan, which justifies what is being done and how. Pilgrim's Europe is a proud supporter of Farm Africa, and I look forward to sharing with you all further updates and progress in the near future.” Funds for Farm Africa are raised through membership fees and ambitious fundraising challenges. To learn more about Farm Africa and the new strategic plan, click here.

The Greggs Foundation reaps what it sows thanks to Pilgrim's Europe's support, providing four schools with innovative "growing towers, " which allow students to plant and harvest a range of vegetables and fruits right in their classroom. The towers, which pump filtered water through a central base to sustain up to 20 different vegetables and fruits, provide students the resources to grow crops year-round and serve as invaluable hands-on learning tools. "We all know how important our support of the Foundation is in allowing children to enjoy a hearty breakfast before school, but our work does not stop there. Four schools, which are close to our sites, also benefited from our donation of several growing towers, " said Rebecca Hinton, Pilgrim's Europe Commercial Manager, who also works closely with Greggs and the Greggs Foundation. Our continued aim is to provide education around food and what is required to grow, look after and harvest food that we all sometimes take for granted. " Students are responsible for building the tower, choosing and planting the vegetables and fruits and maintaining the system. This includes pruning, checking water levels, filling the tank and harvesting the crops. It goes without saying, we value the importance of a balanced and sustainable diet, and it is important to get this message across to the next generation. This new initiative takes our support to the next level, helping educate children around food and sustainability, Hinton said. It is heart-warming to receive feedback and pictures from the schools that show the impact we are having.

A Coleraine-based basketball club has been awarded funding by Pilgrim's Europe as part of its ongoing Community Support Fund initiative. The Causeway Giants Wheelchair Basketball Club is benefitting from a total of £2,000 from Pilgrim's Europe's Community Support Fund. The funds will be used to help with the cost of training facilities, as well as the purchase of additional materials and equipment to ensure the team members' wheelchairs are safe and operational whilst training and competing. The club, which has been operating for over four years received the funding as part of the £1 million Community Support Fund established by Pilgrim's Europe in 2020 to support organizations local to its operations across Europe. Speaking about the support, Richard McVicker, Treasurer and Welfare Officer at Causeway Giants Basketball Club: "We are so appreciative and grateful to receive this funding from Pilgrim's Europe. The generous grant will help us cover the cost of ongoing training facilities as well as funding additional parts for our players wheelchairs and will help for the overall running of the club, helping those with disabilities get involved and take part in a sport they enjoy."

Pilgrim's Europe is bringing home more hardware after winning "Net Zero Strategy of the Year" at the 11th annual BusinessGreen Leaders Awards. Pilgrim's Europe Pork's 2030 Sustainability Strategy was recognized as the key pillar behind the award. According to the judges' panel, Pilgrim's Europe Pork "won over the judges thanks to a comprehensive, ambitious, independently validated strategy that wrestles with some of the most complex decarbonization challenges facing the agricultural sector." "I am extremely proud of this award which pays credit to the difference we at Pilgrim's UK are making. Our sustainability goals are guided by our vision to become the best and most respected company in our industry, creating the opportunity of a better future for our team members and communities," said Matt Dight, Pilgrim's Europe Pork Head of Sustainability. "This award validates that we're on the right path towards achieving our vision - now we need to keep pushing forward with our journey. "Sustainability increasingly guides everything we do at Pilgrim's Europe. It combines our vision, focus and targets as we take on the big challenges of our time around climate," added Dight. "And that's why this award belongs to us all. I want to thank everyone across the business who has helped make a difference and supported the development of our strategy." For a full list of the winners and learn more about the BusinessGreen Leaders Awards, click here.

GroceryAid has recognized the continued hard work and support of Pilgrim's Europe over the last year by once again awarding the business its coveted Gold award. The business previously achieved Gold status and thanks to the efforts and dedication of the team, the charity awarded Pilgrim's Europe its highest possible honor for another year. The Gold award is given to organizations that have carried out more than eight activities across all three of their pillars in support of the charity and its goals. The pillars include awareness, fundraising and volunteering. "We are enormously proud of our work and contribution to GroceryAid. This year has been very challenging for the industry and our colleagues, but GroceryAid has offered a vital lifeline for many people across our sector - supporting those most in need," said Rachel Baldwin, Pilgrim's Europe Human Resources. "As a responsible business, we support our colleagues in many different ways. We often signpost and forward team members to GroceryAid, which offers a whole host of support options - something we and the sector are very grateful for." In the last year alone, Pilgrim's Europe supported events and promoted internal and external activities. In addition, the business is an active member of the GroceryAid committee - contributing with expert advice and strategic support. "We look forward to supporting GroceryAid in 2021 and are grateful for their continued hard work and dedication," Baldwin said. "I would also like to thank the team at GroceryAid for once again recognizing our efforts with this award. Please remember, GroceryAid do not just offer financial support, but also offers legal support, emotional guidance and so much more." Visit the GroceryAid Website to learn more.

A local community group based in Ballymena has been awarded funding by Pilgrim's Europe. Love, Hope and Faith is a registered charity established for the relief of those in need through a framework of active support and encouragement for children with long term conditions such as Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. The group was awarded the funding through Pilgrim's Europe's Community Support Fund which was established in 2020 to support organisations local to its operations across Europe. With the funds, the charity purchased sensory equipment for children and families living with long term conditions. Darren McGinty, Chairperson of Love, Hope and Faith, commented: "We are grateful to Pilgrim's Europe for their donation, it allowed us to carry out sensory sessions which were really successful. The funds further supported six families across Northern Ireland with various pieces of equipment that they can use at home to make their lives that little bit easier."

Team members at Dalehead Foods – Linton donated rubber boots to Nigerian farmers to work more safely and efficiently, especially in the wetter months. “As a large local employer we go through a great deal of footwear which is mandatory, but after a eureka moment I thought maybe others could make good use of them,” said Rajesh Ramkhelawan, Dalehead SHE Manager. “That's when I got in touch with Crossroads Global Village, a charity that supports development projects around the world. They got in touch with an NGO in Nigeria, Guidance Community Development Foundation, which is more than happy to have the boots sent to them. “These are the kind of projects we should be highlighting and looking for when we think of sustainability and social responsibility,” said Matt Dight, Head of CSR. “This is more than about making good use of products we no longer need, it's about supporting developing communities, reducing waste and helping those less fortunate. Hopefully this will inspire other sites to start thinking of new and different ways they can support our CSR aims. A huge well-done to the Dalehead Linton team for spearheading this idea, and especially Rajesh for managing it.”

At Pilgrim’s UK, we also work with Bright Futures – a co-operative that helps survivors of modern slavery build a new life with a job that pays them a fair and decent wage. Under the Bright Future scheme, victims are offered a four-week paid work placement leading to a non-competitive interview. If both elements are successful, the candidate will be offered a permanent job within the host business. Eight survivors have already been given a chance to rebuild their lives by Pilgrim’s UK, with four still in permanent employment. It is envisaged that more people will secure placements through the program thanks to this new structure.

In line with our vision, Pilgrim's sponsored a tree planting and education program its Rockingham County facilities and three area elementary schools: John C. Myers, Plains, and Lacey Springs. Pilgrim's team members secured trees and dug the holes, and then students actually helped plant the trees. After assessing the company's properties, Pilgrim's decided to plant screening trees at its Timberville production facility and Broadway hatchery, and then to plant trees in the fields behind the plant to stabilize a riverbed and provide shelter and food for wildlife. While Pilgrim's planted trees on its own property, the company also sponsored an education and planting program at area schools. About 180 local fourth-graders learned about trees and why they are important for our environment. Then each student helped plant shade trees on the school grounds. Additionally, the company provided each student with his or her own seedling to plant at home. Altogether, over 300 trees were planted by Pilgrim's and the students, and the next generation of people in the community now also know how to care for the trees.

Pilgrim's expanded its Cold Spring, Minn., facility, a move that will boost employment by about 10 percent or 130 people – and give central Minnesota growers a larger market for their chickens. The $75 million expansion added 50,000 square feet to the existing processing plant, including a new cafeteria, larger break room, lunchroom and bathrooms. The expansion will increase daily production of chicken products, including Pilgrim's Just Bare chicken brand. As part of its Hometown Strong initiative, Pilgrim's also invested $575,000 in the city to help bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic, including creating outdoor recreation areas, constructing an emergency services training room and donating to the local Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

Thanks to a sizable donation from Pilgrim's Moorefield (W.Va.), Hardy County volunteer firefighters can now enlist the help of advanced technology to aid in their fire management and rescue efforts. Using Pilgrim's Moorefield's generous gift of $20,000, the Moorefield Volunteer Fire Company 46 secured one of two high-tech drones, which will enable increased surveillance of the surrounding area. “Pilgrim's is very excited about the drone project with the Moorefield Volunteer Fire Company,” said Tracy Sherman, human resources manager at Pilgrim's Moorefield Fresh. “This state-of-the-art drone will help our fire department to provide additional and enhanced safety measures for the entire Moorefield community.” The drones are outfitted with state-of-the-art features, such as infrared cameras and heat-sensing technology, and will expand the capability of the team at night and in hard-to-reach areas. “If there's a water leak or sewer leak at night, [the crew] can take that drone up and see different temperature changes where the water is coming out of the ground,” Hardy County Clerk Gregg Ely told the Moorefield Examiner. Company 46 has served the Moorefield community for nearly 90 years and answers an average of 200 calls annually.

The Pilgrim's HR team participated in the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), the world's largest annual poultry, meat and feed industry event of its kind. IPPE focuses on innovation – introducing state of the art advances in technology – as well as education and networking. Students majoring in Animal Science, Poultry Science and Engineering also attend the event for opportunities to speak with industry human resources and corporate executives about their future careers. Pilgrim's hosted a hospitality room themed “Create Your Career,” that included an interview space and a luncheon feeding nearly 600 students. More than 200 students visited the interview space and discussed opportunities with Pilgrim's team members.

The Green and White Society is an annual function put on by Broadway High School and Pilgrim's Broadway to give high school seniors a chance to be recognized in a unique way. Each year, school teachers nominate students who they feel have made a positive difference in themselves, show leadership and school spirit and demonstrate humility. Three high school faculty members and a member of the Pilgrim's Broadway management team vote on the nominees, who are then asked to write an essay about the person who was the biggest influence in their life. In honor of the nominees, Broadway High School and Pilgrim’s hold a dinner offsite for the students, their parents, the teacher who nominated them and the subject of their essay. During the event, each nominated senior reads his or her essay and presents a framed copy of the essay to the individual who influenced them the most. Additionally, the students are presented with a cord to wear during their graduation ceremony, and a member of Pilgrim's management gives a speech.

Pilgrim's doesn’t just market delicious products, but a few Pilgrim's Pittsburg team members also have what it takes to make award-winning food…for a great cause! In October, the Pilgrim’s Pittsburg Community Engagement Committee took home some hardware at the annual “Paint Pitt Pink” Chili Cook-Off in Pittsburg, Texas, held in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to raise money for a local hero whose life has been impacted by breast cancer. Out of 12 competitors, the Pilgrim’s team’s trophy-worthy chili recipe won 2 of the 3 awards: Judge's Choice and People’s Choice awards. “The Paint Pitt Pink Chili Cook-Off was a fun way to not only make some delicious food, but also support a good cause,” said Karen Campbell of Pilgrim’s Pittsburg. “We were thrilled to win two awards our first year competing, but we were even more excited to help raise money to support a local breast cancer survivor!” The Paint Pitt Pink Chili Cook-Off ultimately raised $1,400 for breast cancer survivor and beneficiary, Brandy Kinard.