(Siloam Springs—April 2) As a critical infrastructure industry, Simmons recognizes the importance of ensuring adequate food supplies during this crisis while also working to keep our team members safe.
“We understand this is a challenging time for our team members and their families and we are continuing to monitor the latest updates and guidance related to COVID-19. As this situation evolves we are taking steps to protect our team members and ensure our facilities are sanitized, healthy and safe places to work,” said Todd Simmons, CEO of Simmons Foods, Inc. & its Affiliates.
Measures Simmons has implemented in this effort include suspending all non-essential travel, restricting facility access to essential food production team members only, and limiting people moving between facilities. To further protect those working in food production, team members who can work remotely are currently working from home.
Simmons continues to raise awareness among team members about the prevention of COVID-19, the signs and symptoms, and the critical importance of staying home when they are sick or have a fever. We also ask team members to notify us prior to reporting for work if they have been in close contact with anyone who has the virus.
As a food company, Simmons is always diligent about sanitation processes and has redoubled efforts in each of its facilities to conduct thorough and frequent cleaning and disinfection of common areas and frequently touched surfaces such as breakrooms, restrooms, offices, door knobs, microwaves and time clocks to help keep team members safe.
Trained health professionals are present in its production facilities and the company provides access to medical services for team members and their families, with no out-of-pocket cost, through its network of Simmons Care Clinics.
In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic and state and federal Declarations of a State of Emergency, Simmons has established a new Emergency Leave of Absence policy for its team members which has been in effect since March 20.
Highlights of the new Emergency Leave of Absence Policy, subject to each team member’s eligibility, include additional leave of absence options, job protection and up to two weeks paid leave.
About Simmons Foods, Inc. and Affiliates
Simmons is a vertically-integrated, leading supplier of poultry, pet food, and animal nutrition products headquartered in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Founded in 1949 in Arkansas, the company and its affiliates remain a privately-owned and family-led business.
With more than 70 years of experience, Simmons works with farmers, communities, and employees to serve its customers by providing quality and excellence. With more than 7,000 team members throughout North America, Simmons is committed to delivering innovative food products and services to the world.
For more information on Simmons Foods, Inc. and its Affiliates, please visit, simmonsfoods.com.
