U.S. Industry Continues Supporting Communities in Need

Recent community efforts in Vietnam and Japan demonstrate the U.S. red meat industry’s long-term commitment to international customers.

U.S. Industry Continues Supporting Communities in Need

More than 500 kg. of U.S. pork was included in food packages delivered to low-income households in Ho Chi Minh City

Economic recoveries continue lagging in several countries in the Asia-Pacific as the more infectious Delta variant forced governments to reimpose restrictions in recent months. From April through September, Vietnam has experienced austere restrictions which caused a sharp drop in employment and the country’s first negative quarter of GDP growth since 2000.

Ho Chi Minh City is one of the Vietnamese cities hit hardest by the restrictions as export-oriented businesses were largely shut down in the industrial parks and the export-processing zone. In response, the Red Cross urged businesses and community organizations to support food donations for needy households.

Since the onset of the pandemic last year, USMEF has provided targeted support to communities and business partners on behalf of the U.S. red meat industry. Included in these activities are donations of U.S. pork and beef for meals to first responders and to vulnerable populations most affected by the pandemic.

With funding support from National Pork Board, USMEF recently joined the effort in Ho Chi Minh City by donating U.S. pork to food packages being assembled and distributed by the Red Cross, the military and the Youth Union Team.

USMEF-Japan also continued its sustained support of children’s cafeterias across Japan from June 30 – Sept. 15. With funding support from National Pork Board and the Corn Checkoff, USMEF provided food donations to 42 locations as 2,600 kgs of U.S. pork and beef were included in more than 8,000 meals distributed throughout Japan.

“The U.S. red meat industry is showing our customers that we are a reliable partner who is invested in their communities,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “We are in this for the long haul and relationship-building is a big part of what we do to develop markets for U.S. red meat.”

SOURCE: USMEF