During the COVID-19 pandemic, many have developed an increased appreciation for essential workers, especially those on the front lines of the pandemic. That is why Pilgrim’s Pride is giving Russellville Hospital employees a little something extra to say thank you for their work.

“We just really appreciate the people being here and working, just like our people are being here and working,” said Pilgrim’s Pride complex manager Kevin Touchstone.

Touchstone said the idea originated as a way for Pilgrim’s Pride to show its appreciation for the hospital workers on the front lines of the pandemic response.

“We like to think of it as the food industry helping out the health industry,” he said.

Workers from Pilgrim’s Pride unloaded 55 boxes of chicken for hospital workers. Each box contained four 10-pound bags of chicken. Each of the approximate 220 employees of Russellville Hospital received one 10-pound bag.

“Russellville Hospital greatly appreciates the generous donation by Pilgrim’s Pride for our employees. We are so thankful for our community’s support during these challenging times,” said Christine Stewart, Russellville Hospital CEO.

The donated chicken was packaged through a new process at Pilgrim’s Pride. Touchstone said he chicken is Chef’s Exclusive and is 99 percent fat free with a shelf life of 14 days.

“I really appreciate Kevin Touchstone and Pilgrim’s Pride team members for their generous support of our front-line healthcare workers at Russellville Hospital during this difficult time,” said Russellville Mayor David Grissom. “I appreciate the job team members at Pilgrim’s are doing daily, providing food, and the job our healthcare team members at Russellville Hospital do daily, taking care of our people.

“They are both front line heroes in our community, and I thank you both.”