GREELEY, Colo. — Through its Hometown Strong initiative, JBS USA recently announced plans to donate $2.6 million to help Worthington respond to needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and invest in the community’s future.

 JBS USA is working with local leaders to identify where the funds can best help meet immediate and longer-term community needs. All projects will be determined by the end of the year. Community members may send suggested proposals for investment to hometownstrong@jbssa.com.

 “Worthington is home to one of the nation’s signature pork production plants, supporting more than 275 local hog producers and producing nearly 11.7 million 4 oz. servings per day,” said Brad Hellinga, JBS Worthington general manager. “Throughout this pandemic, we have tried to do our part to help our community and safely preserve the important jobs the facility provides. We are humbled to provide this multimillion dollar donation to our community and help Worthington remain hometown strong.”

JBS USA Worthington has already committed to provide $1 million in support of the soon-to-be renovated, $3.5 million Worthington Field House, which will be named the JBS Field House and Recreation Center. This indoor, state-of-the-art facility will accommodate year-round sports and other recreational activities for community members.

“On behalf of the city of Worthington, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to JBS for this large investment in our community,” said Worthington Mayor Mike Kuhle. “We’re very excited and grateful for this generous gift. JBS has always been a great corporate citizen, and this is another example of them being a good neighbor.”

 The JBS USA Worthington pork production facility employs more than 2,000 people with an annual payroll of more than $120 million. The facility supports more than 275 local producers, paying them more than $900 million per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, JBS USA Worthington has invested more than $47 million in capital improvements over the last five years.

Hometown Strong is a national $50 million initiative that adds to commitments JBS USA has made this year to protect employees and ensure their job security amid the global pandemic. Hometown Strong is one of the largest community investment programs of its kind in the country.