GRAND ISLAND, NE - A meatpacking company is donating millions of dollars to a central Nebraska community.

JBS in Grand Island says it plans to donate $3.5 million to the Grand Island community in response to needs from the coronavirus pandemic.

JBS says it's working with local leaders to identify where the funds can be invested.

“The JBS Grand Island beef production facility is one of the premier plants in the country, and we recognize both the opportunity and responsibility of being a large business and employer in our community,” said Zack Ireland, JBS Grand Island General Manager. “Our focus during the past few months has been to protect our team members, and we are grateful to now invest in the place we call home in a meaningful way that benefits our workforce and community now and in the future.”

Grand Island was a coronavirus hotspot during the beginning of the pandemic. A significant amount of the city's cases were related to an outbreak at the JBS plant.

“During the coronavirus pandemic, JBS USA has been a community partner and generously donated beef to local food banks and also provided leadership and innovation on worker safety and plant management,” said Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele. “The Hometown Strong initiative continues JBS USA’s commitment to our community and our future, and we look forward to a wonderful community partnership.”

The JBS USA Grand Island beef production facility employs more than 3,600 people with an annual payroll of more than $160 million. The facility supports more than 675 local producers, paying them more than $2.2 billion per year for their livestock

This donation is part of the JBS Hometown Strong initiative which is donating 50 million dollars nationwide to cover pandemic needs in communities.