BHP Billiton announced a US$150,000 donation to the West Texas Food Bank to purchase a refrigerated 18-wheeler to transport fresh Texas produce to various food banks in the region. Once up and running, the ‘Big Orange Truck’ is going to serve five different food banks, which together serve 92 counties and around 230,000 people every year. 

“BHP Billiton is committed to helping local communities where our people live and work supporting our operations,” said Robert J. Manelis, General Manager of Permian Operations for BHP Billiton. “I know that there are many needy families in the area, and we are determined to lend a helping hand to these good folks and their children.”

“Hunger is linked to other community issues such as education and poverty, so we’re very pleased to help our Permian Basin neighbors get the healthy meals they need, especially children and the elderly.”

Last year, BHP Billiton formed a partnership with the food bank, donating US$500,000 to finish out a capital campaign and another US$150,000 to bring the successful Food 2 Kids program to Pecos. The Community Kitchen in the West Texas Food Banks’s new Odessa headquarters will bear the BHP Billiton name.

“We see an increased need for food during tough economic times,” said West Texas Food Bank Executive Director Libby Campbell. “BHP Billiton’s continued support, despite the hit that oil has taken in the last year, is humbling and so appreciated. Their donation of the ‘Big Orange Truck’ will help us leverage government funding to transport fresh produce and other food items to hungry West Texans. We couldn’t be more thankful for the partnership.”