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SALISBURY, MD – Perdue Farms is delivering $10,000 to the Albemarle Area United Way and 45,000 pounds of protein to the Food Bank of the Albemarle to assist with ongoing recovery efforts in Bertie County following a deadly EF-3 tornado spawned by Tropical Storm Isaias on Aug. 4.

The donations are part of Perdue’s companywide hunger relief initiative, “Delivering Hope to Our Neighbors®”.

“We are extremely overwhelmed with gratitude for the support of Perdue Farms in response to the tornado that severely impacted our county,” said Ron Wesson, chairman of the Bertie Board of Commissioners. “The joint support of Perdue and the Albemarle Area United Way for our neighbors who have lost so much is a wonderful example of how committed partners can truly make a difference.”

“We sincerely appreciate Perdue Farms’ rapid response and support for the Food Bank and our partner agencies in Bertie County,” said Liz Reasoner, executive director of Food Bank of the Albemarle. “Perdue’s donation of 45,000 pounds of protein will provide meals to those in need today, and in the weeks and months to come.”

The Franklin P. and Arthur W Perdue Foundation, the company’s charitable giving arm, donated $10,000 to the Albemarle Area United Way in support of the relief efforts.

“On behalf of a grateful community, we can’t thank Perdue enough for responding in a significant way to the devastation we experienced as a result of tornadoes spun out of Tropical Storm Isaias,” said Bill Blake, executive director of the Albemarle United Way. “We’re inspired by Perdue’s charitable philosophy and hope this generous gift motivates others to join the cause.”

The twister ripped through a mobile home community near Windsor, killing two, injuring dozens and leaving many families homeless in Bertie County, home to Perdue Farms’ operations that employee more than 3,700 associates.

“The losses endured by so many, including some of our associates and their families, are heartbreaking,” said Frank Koekoek, director of Perdue operations in Lewiston. “Our thoughts remain with all those affected by the storm. We hope our company’s support will bring some level of relief and comfort to our neighbors.”