USA: Cargill Hurricane Katrina relief efforts reach $1.7 million

Cargill announced on September 13 that the company and its employees have committed more than $1.7 million to support immediate relief efforts and long-term rebuilding projects in communities impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

“Cargill has operated in the Gulf Coast for more than 50 years. The destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina is devastating,” said Warren Staley, Cargill chairman and chief executive officer. “Our hearts go out to all of the victims of this disaster, their families and the tireless relief workers. We are hopeful that our company’s support, combined with the generous donations of our employees, will help the people and communities impacted by this disaster begin to recover and rebuild.”

Cargill, directly and through its employee matching gifts program, has contributed more than $1 million to support immediate relief efforts including shelter and food provided by the American Red Cross, America’s Second Harvest, local United Way chapters and relief agencies. The company will also provide up to $450,000 toward long-term relief and reconstruction efforts in the communities where Cargill employees live and work. Cargill’s Grain and Oilseed Supply Chain business, which has locations in the area, established a relief fund to help Cargill employees and their families who lost their homes in the disaster.

Other Cargill businesses, including Horizon Milling, Cargill Meat Solutions and Sunny Fresh Foods, have all donated food products to relief agencies providing critical aid to those in shelters. Cargill Animal Nutrition has donated more than 50 tons of horse feed and additional pet food for animals displaced by the hurricane.

Cargill is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services. With 124,000 employees in 59 countries, the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience to collaborate with customers to help them succeed. Cargill contributes more than $30 million a year globally to enrich the communities where its employees live and work.

16 September, 2005