Community Engagement

Our Communities

(GRI 3-3, 413-1)

At JBS, community engagement is a major component of our approach to social responsibility. Across our global operations, we actively support and uplift the communities where our team members and suppliers live and work. Each business unit tailors its approach to local contexts while aligning with global policies and sustainability goals. Through these diverse initiatives, JBS strives to foster economic prosperity, enhance social well-being, and champion environmental stewardship.

Case Studies:

JBS Hometown Strong

Through Hometown Strong, a US$100 million initiative, JBS USA is building a better future together with the communities where we work and live. Since its inception, this program has invested millions of dollars into over 240 projects that enhance local infrastructure (e.g., housing), improve healthcare access, and support education and recreational opportunities. By collaborating with local governments and organizations, JBS.

For example, in Greeley, Colorado, JBS invested US$1.6 million to sponsor SmartLabs, a hands-on approach in which Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines are integrated in schools. In Southeast Iowa, a US$1 million investment supported the construction of the Southeast Iowa Sports Center, providing a space for physical activity and community gatherings. These targeted efforts showcase JBS’s efforts to foster vibrant, resilient communities across the regions where we operate.

Learn more about our Hometown Strong initiative on our website.

Fund for the Amazon

Created by JBS in 2020, the JBS Fund for the Amazon is a non-profit organization that supports the sustainable development of the Amazon by promoting the transition to a low-carbon economy grounded in sustainable land use, nature-based solutions (NbS), and the bioeconomy. The Fund invests in enhanced production, sustainable livestock, restoration of degraded areas, and the inclusion of smallholder farmers and traditional communities. It also supports research and innovation to enhance territorial monitoring, expand technical assistance, and foster new value chains rooted in the Amazon context. All initiatives are implemented in partnership with NGOs, community organizations, research institutions, and technical entities, ensuring territorial relevance, social inclusion, and long-term impact. By 2030, the fund is projected to raise R$74.1 million, further scaling its ability to drive meaningful change across the region.

RestaurAmazônia: Supported 1,117 families, aiming to reduce deforestation by 50%, restore 1,500 hectares of pasture, and increase family income by 30%.
Inclusive Community Economies: Invested R$3.1 million to improve income for 109 families by 27%, supported the production of 2,500 hectares of certified açaí, and established traceability and cooperative management systems.
Indigenous Hands, Standing Forest: Benefited 1,000+ families by providing storage infrastructure, drying facilities, trailers, tools, and support for sustainable nut and cocoa processing across 16 Indigenous Territories.
Fair & Sustainable Fishing Initiative: Supported 400+families by building infrastructure for a fish processing plant and mentoring community associations.
Forest Peoples Connection: Provided internet and energy kits to 1,200+ families across 24 protected areas, enhancing access to information and resources.

Innovation-driven initiatives like InovAmazônia and the AMAZ Accelerator are advancing bioeconomy research and entrepreneurship in the Amazon. InovAmazônia is a research program focused on discovering new ingredients for the food industry derived from Amazonian value chains. It currently supports seven research projects, eight laboratories, and 21 scholarships. AMAZ, the first impact accelerator dedicated to the Amazon region, has been supporting 14 businesses since 2021 that promote sustainable products and services rooted in the Amazon economy. Additional innovation partnerships include using AI and drone technology for forest mapping, restoration monitoring, and carbon market access work with Geoflora and Embrapa. The Amazon Bioplastic Project, for example, is developing sustainable bioplastics from chestnut burrs, benefiting 25 families and contributing to environmental resilience. From 2021 to 2024, these initiatives collectively impacted over 7,800 families and nearly one million hectares of areas under sustainable use and conservation. They have advanced economic inclusion, environmental stewardship, and indigenous empowerment, creating a model for sustainable development in the Amazon.

Learn more about JBS Fund for the Amazon on our website.

Reducing Food Insecurity

JBS partners with food banks, charities, and customers worldwide to donate excess food and minimize waste. These efforts not only reduce the environmental impact of food waste but also address global hunger and improve food security in vulnerable communities . In 2024, Pilgrim’s Mexico donated 34 tons of food to communities in southern Mexico, demonstrating how operational growth can be leveraged to support local needs. Similarly, JBS USA’s Live Pork division regularly contributes to food banks in Texas and Missouri, while JBS Prepared Foods organizes food drives and events that engage team members and benefit local residents.

JBS Australia: Supporting Health and Sports

Our health, sports, and infrastructure investments further strengthen local ties with our communities. JBS Australia emphasizes relationship-building through local councils, volunteer programs, sponsorships, feedback forums, social media, and training. In 2024, JBS Australia donated AU$873,000 to local sports clubs, community events, cancer research initiatives, and family accommodation programs like Tour De Cure and Ronald McDonald House.

Pilgrim’s Mexico: Investing in Togetherness

We also invest in community integration and social programs. Pilgrim’s Mexico demonstrated robust engagement in 2024, investing over US$ 900,000 in community integration events such as Family Day, Christmas parties, and 5K races, benefiting more than 44,000 people. Additionally, they provided educational scholarships and partnered with 18 social institutions to expand social programs alongside facility growth in southern Mexico.