Oct 1, 2003 12:00 PM

Tyson Foods Inc recently donated 43,000 pounds (21.5 tons) of canned chunk chicken breast meat and chicken salad kits to United States troops who are being deployed overseas. The donation was made through the United Service Organizations (USO) and will provide 210,000 protein-rich meals to soldiers, including those serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“The USO is very grateful to Tyson Foods for helping us provide support to our service members at this difficult time in our nation's history,” said Edward A Powell, USO president and chief executive officer.

Tyson announced in October 2002 that it would provide differential pay for all team members called to active National Guard or military reserve duty since Sept 11, 2001. The company will make up the difference between compensation for the military duty and the normal salary or wages of the team member before being called into duty.