DES MOINES, IA — (From a Press release) –  Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced a series of investments in the Perry community from Tyson Foods following months of advocacy and coordination efforts. Tyson’s commitments will provide direct support to local families, students, and first responders impacted by the company’s decision to wind down operations of its pork production plant in June 2024.

“Perry is a strong, tight-knit Iowa town that deserves accountability from its corporate partners. Businesses, like Tyson Foods, that serve rural communities have an obligation to honor the commitments they make,” said Rep. Nunn. “From day one, we’ve worked with the City of Perry and Dallas County leadership to ensure the community is receiving the support they need in a time of uncertainty. These investments are a step in the right direction, but there is still more work to be done. I will continue to partner with Perry’s local leaders and residents to advance new opportunities and sustain the community’s growth and success.”

As a result of Congressman Nunn’s continued engagement with city and county officials, as well as advocacy on behalf of local institutions, Tyson Foods has committed to the following immediate contributions:

• A $20,000 donation to the Perry food pantry, supporting approximately six months of critical food assistance for local families
• A truckload of Tyson products donated to the Iowa Food Bank, with priority access for the Perry community
• Meal carts for all three Perry schools, established in partnership with GenYouth
• A six-month supply of breakfast sandwiches to keep school carts fully stocked for students

“The Perry community is grateful for the energy and dedication Congressman Nunn has put forward to support us through the past two years,” said Perry City Administrator Sven Peterson. “Together, we will all continue to work as a team with Tyson Foods to support our community members with their needs and forge a path with Tyson Foods to find the highest and best use for the Perry Facility to ensure a stable future, not only for Perry and our residents, but for the state as a whole.”

“Congressman Nunn’s immediate and continued commitment to addressing the community’s concerns following the Tyson closure has been critical as Perry’s public services, schools, and economy work to recover from this devastating loss and repair the damage created by the ripple effect of losing nearly 1300 jobs,” said Greater Dallas County Development Alliance Executive Director Rachel Wacker. “His efforts to hold Tyson accountable and urge the company to be part of the solution are both essential and encouraging. Nunn’s advocacy has brought meaningful momentum to Perry’s economic recovery, with a clear focus on supporting the families and businesses that call Perry home.”

These critical investments are a direct result of community-focused advocacy to ensure Perry isn’t left behind in the wake of Tyson’s closure. Congressman Nunn remains actively engaged with local and county leaders to support both this short-term transition and long-term economic development.