International Paper Helping to Deliver Nutrition in Louisiana
BOGALUSA, La., April 20, 2020 /3BL Media/– International Paper (NYSE: IP) is taking action to address critical needs in the communities in which its employee live and work during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. One of the world’s leading producers of renewable, fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper has donated 21,500 corrugated boxes to Louisiana food banks, which are providing food to the increasing number of people experiencing job loss or furlough during the pandemic lockdown.
The Bogalusa, La., Containerboard Mill supported its community in Southeast Louisiana with 1,500 donated boxes to the Northshore Food Bank. The food bank regularly provides food assistance to more than 375 individuals and families each week. Over the last four weeks, those numbers have increased dramatically.
“Twenty percent of the food distributions we’re providing now are to new households,” said Jamie Andrepont, development director for Northshore Food Bank. “We have 51% more seniors and 20% more children in need. The local school systems have had challenges in feeding their students, so we have provided additional food to school-aged children during our food distribution.”
International Paper also donated 10,000 boxes to Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, and 10,000 to Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, part of the company’s existing commitment to the Feeding America® network.
“Our communities are relying on boxes now more than ever,” said Kalisa Hyman, communications manager, Bogalusa Containerboard Mill, International Paper. “Corrugated boxes are essential to restock grocery shelves, bring medical supplies to hospitals, and to provide food to people in need through the hard work of the food banks in Louisiana. I’m proud that we’re able to mobilize our products to address these critical community needs.”
About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, North Africa and Russia. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods and enable worldwide commerce; pulp for diapers, tissue, and other personal hygiene products that promote health and wellness; and papers that facilitate education and communication. We are headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., employ more than 50,000 colleagues and serve more than 25,000 customers in 150 countries. Net sales for 2019 were $22 billion. For more information about International Paper, our products and global citizenship efforts, please visit internationalpaper.com.
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