LULAC joins Tyson Foods to deliver a truckload of protein to Roadrunner Food Bank

  As part of LULAC’s commitment to eradicate hunger and malnutrition, LULAC, Tyson Foods, and the Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico have joined efforts to distribute a truckload of protein to the Roadrunner Food Bank. Through LULAC programs, services and advocacy, LULAC will continue to tackle important issues by making information and resources available to the community. Eradicating hunger is an important issue for LULAC as Native Americans and Latino children have some of the highest rates of hunger in the nation and the southwest region includes high concentrations of these populations. According to recent data from the Roadrunner Food Bank, 66% of participants are Hispanic or Latino and 40% of Mobile Food Pantry recipients are children. LULAC, the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in America, among its goals, works to advance health disparities in the Hispanic community. “Through LULAC programs, services and advocacy, we tackle important issues such as hunger and malnutrition by making information and resources available to the community,” said LULAC National President Margaret Moran. “That is why we are so pleased to partner with Tyson Foods which has made this very generous food donation in New Mexico possible.” Meat and poultry are high quality sources of complete protein, and according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans released by USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services, protein is considered the most important macronutrient in the human diet. It provides essential amino acids, is a source of energy and is critical during growth and development. Meat and poultry are excellent sources of iron, which is especially important for women, children and adolescent girls, who are often deficient in iron. “Over half of the individuals supported by the Roadrunner Food Bank are faced with having to choose between paying utilities or buying food,” said Tyson Foods’ Director of Federal Government Relations Nora Venegas. “It is our goal to help alleviate this need by providing protein to those in need but also raising awareness about how important protein is in a diet.” Melody Wattenbarger, president and CEO of Roadrunner Food Bank said, “New Mexico is ranked #1 for childhood hunger and #4 for overall hunger among all states in the U.S. Protein donations such as this one from Tyson and LULAC are critical in helping us provide an important source of meals for our hungry neighbors. Often hungry people tell us they are unable to afford all the food they need for their families. They turn to us and our network of partners across the state to supplement the food they cannot afford on their own. This donation of protein will go a long way in helping us provide a source of healthy food to our hungry neighbors. Thank you Tyson and LULAC for making this possible.”