SALISBURY, Md. (Wednesday, July 29, 2025) — On Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore, more than 47 percent of households struggle to afford the state’s high cost of living and don’t earn enough to afford necessities, according to the 2025 ALICE Report.

As part of a commitment to help ease that burden for its Lower Shore neighbors, Perdue Farms and its associates have delivered $302,955 to the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore since December 2024. The contribution includes associate campaign pledges, investments from the company, and the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving partner of Perdue Farms.

“Our associates are the heart of our company, and they care deeply about the well-being of their neighbors,” said Kevin McAdams, CEO of Perdue Farms. “We have been long-time supporters of the United Way mission. I’m proud of the impact our associates have made through their generous support of local organizations making lasting positive change in the communities where our associates call home.”Perdue’s support of the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore aligns with its “Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors^®” outreach, which focuses on improving quality of life and strengthening communities where its associates live, work, and raise their families. Perdue employs more than 2,220 associates on the Lower Eastern Shore.

“We are honored and thankful for the leadership Perdue demonstrates in helping the local community through our partnership, especially in our most recent 80^th anniversary year,” said Pam Gregory, president and CEO of the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore. “Thousands of our neighbors are living paycheck to paycheck and making tough choices every month. Perdue’s commitment to supporting us is seen all year and inspires others to get involved. Perdue is a respected leader throughout the United Way network, helping deliver opportunities for all neighbors to thrive.”

Perdue remains the No. 1 contributor to the annual United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore campaign, which allows associates to deduct funds from their paychecks to support United Way partner agencies. Perdue and its associates have contributed more than $5 million to the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore since 1994. Perdue’s entire donation remains on the Lower Shore to support crucial programs and services provided by 43 local agencies through nearly 80 programs annually.

Perdue Farms’ commitment to its communities is highlighted in the company’s FY26 Corporate Stewardship Report.

About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES), celebrating 80 years of local service, harnesses the power of our community to advance health, education, and financial stability for all neighbors in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. UWLES and their community partners help empower Lower Shore residents by addressing barriers for better health, supporting educational success for learners of all ages, and strengthening economic security for local households. UWLES provides direct services, collaborates with stakeholders, and supports dozens of local nonprofits to strengthen the entire community, impacting 1 in every 3 neighbors annually. Through the Get Connected Volunteer Center, UWLES connects over 200 nonprofits with community members who want to get involved. For more information on United Way or to help make a difference visit: www.uwles.org, www.ShoreGetConnected.org,  Facebook@uwles, Instagram@unitedwayles, or LinkedIN@uwles.

About the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation
The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms, was established in 1957 by company founder Arthur W. Perdue and is funded through the estates of Arthur W. Perdue and Frank Perdue. As part of our belief in supporting the communities where and with whom we do business, the Foundation provides grants on behalf of Perdue Farms in communities where large numbers of our associates live and work. At Perdue Farms, we believe in responsible food and agriculture®.

About Perdue Farms

We’re a fourth-generation, family-owned, U.S. food and agriculture company. Through our belief in responsible food and agriculture, we are empowering consumers, customers, and farmers through trusted choices in products and services.

Perdue Foods consists of a premium protein portfolio, including our flagship PERDUE® brand, Niman Ranch®, Coleman Natural®, Pasturebird®, and Yummy®, as well as our pet brands, Full Moon® and Spot Farms®, and is available through various channels including retail, foodservice, club stores and our direct-to-consumer website, PerdueFarms.com.

Perdue AgriBusiness is a leading merchandiser, processor, and exporter of agricultural products and the largest U.S. manufacturer of specialty, organic, and non-GMO oils. It also ranks as one of the largest suppliers of organic feed ingredients in the world.

Now in our company’s second century, we never use drugs for growth promotion in raising poultry and livestock, and we are actively advancing our animal welfare programs. Our brands are leaders in no-antibiotics-ever and in USDA-certified organic proteins. Learn more at Corporate.PerdueFarms.com.