FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Lift Up America and the University of Arkansas will team up with Tyson Foods to help bring the gift of food to the area's less fortunate. For the 11th consecutive year, more than 40 Razorback student-athletes will be on hand to help unload the food during the donation announcement taking place at the Jerry & Gene Jones Family Student-Athlete Success Center.

Tyson Foods is donating nearly 40,000 pounds of protein that will be distributed by the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank to over 60 of its partner agencies.

"Many people don't realize hunger is an issue in every single community," said Matt Pakula, Tyson Foods' senior manager of corporate social responsibility. "We're proud to once again partner with Lift Up America and the University of Arkansas to help raise awareness about the seriousness of this issue in Northwest Arkansas."

Kevin Trainor will host the event on behalf of the University of Arkansas, and will be joined by representatives from Tyson Foods, Lift Up America and the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank.

"We are proud to once again team with Tyson Foods, Lift Up America and the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank to help feed those in need and raise awareness of hunger issues in our region," said Trainor, University of Arkansas associate athletic director.  "Lift Up America continues to be a signature partner with our student-athlete success program, and this event is another significant example of how Razorback student-athletes are continuing to embrace the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others."

Lift Up America President Eric Hannah said, "We are grateful for the caring organizations coming together to lift the human spirit of others."

Meat and poultry are nutrient dense foods, according to health experts, and can be especially helpful to people who need more protein. However, according to food banks nationwide, meat is the most requested and least available food.

"At the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, we provide food to the hundreds of pantries and agencies that are on the front lines of hunger relief," says Kent Eikenberry, president and CEO of Northwest Arkansas Food Bank.  "Donations of poultry and other high protein foods are especially valuable as they allow us to provide our clients with more healthy, nutritious options."

About Lift Up America: Lift Up America, founded in 2004, is a 501c3 non-profit organization that collaborates with corporations, professional and college sports teams and local nonprofit agencies to help our nation's less fortunate.  For more information about Lift Up America, please visit www.LiftUpAmerica.org.  Lift Up America is focused on expanding its Ambassador of Compassion program across the U.S. An interactive leadership program for youth, Ambassadors of Compassion helps transform junior-high and high-school aged youth into resilient, confident individuals motivated to embrace a strong work ethic and continue giving service in their communities. For more information and how to donate, please visit www.aoclife.org.

About Tyson Foods Inc.: Tyson Foods (NYSE: TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest food companies with leading trademarked brands such as Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Sara Lee,  Ball Park, Wright, Aidells and State Fair. It's a recognized market leader in chicken, beef and pork as well as prepared foods, including bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey, lunchmeat, hot dogs, pizza crusts and toppings, tortillas and desserts. The company supplies retail and foodservice customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. Tyson Foods was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to lead the business with his son, Don Tyson, guiding the company for many years and grandson, John H. Tyson, serving as the current chairman of the board of directors. The company currently has approximately 113,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.

About University of Arkansas Razorback Athletics: A Division I member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the University of Arkansas' Department of Intercollegiate Athletics annually ranks as one of the nation's most successful athletics programs. The University of Arkansas sponsors a total of 19 varsity sport programs, including 8 men's and 11 women's sports. Featuring one of the most unique nicknames in intercollegiate athletics and a passionate fan following, the Arkansas Razorbacks compete in the Southeastern Conference. Razorback Athletics annually meets the needs of more than 460 student-athletes enabling them to succeed in athletic competition, in the classroom and in the community. Razorback student-athletes volunteer more than 6,000 hours a year serving more than 100 schools, charities and non-profit organizations.

About Northwest Arkansas Food Bank: Northwest Arkansas Food Bank was established in 1988 by a group of concerned citizens who saw the need for hunger assistance in Northwest Arkansas. Over the past 28 years, the Food Bank has grown to serve citizens of Benton, Washington, Madison and Carroll counties, a commitment still strong today. Each year, the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank distributes over 7 million pounds of food in Benton, Washington, Madison and Carroll counties. It is through partnerships with well over 160 member agencies that the organization is able to reach out to those in need. The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank is an affiliate of Feeding America.