Hormel Foods Invests in Community’s Future with New State-of-the-Art Childcare Facility
Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, has taken a significant step in supporting its employees and the community by opening the Inspired Beginnings Learning Academy, a $5 million, 13,000-square-foot childcare center in Austin, Minnesota. This initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to leadership and fostering a supportive work environment, reflecting the values shared by the agricultural community, including those in the swine industry.
The Inspired Beginnings Learning Academy, operated in partnership with Bright Horizons, the country’s largest provider of employer-sponsored childcare, will serve up to 130 children of Hormel Foods team members and community residents throughout Mower County. The center caters to children ages six months to school age and features a Discovery Driven Learning™ approach, educator-created curriculum, and comprehensive health and safety policies.
“At Hormel Foods, we are always striving to ensure Austin and the surrounding areas are a prime destination for top talent,” said Angie Bissen, Human Resources manager for Hormel Foods. “One of the main insights gathered from our research and from other employers in the area is the critical importance of accessible childcare options. The Inspired Beginnings Learning Academy is one of the many contributors to vibrant economic development in our community.”
This initiative by Hormel Foods exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to employee management and retention, a principle that resonates well with swine producers and agricultural businesses. By addressing the childcare needs of their workforce, Hormel Foods is not only supporting their team members but also attracting top talent in today’s competitive labor market. This move enhances the company’s reputation as a desirable employer, committed to the well-being and growth of its employees and their families.
“Bright Horizons is proud to partner with Hormel Foods to provide a high-quality childcare center for their team members,” said Bryson McCargar, center director, Inspired Beginnings Learning Academy. “We’re excited to be a part of the first stage of learning for their team members’ children here at the center. All of our programs are geared to ensure children have the language, math, science, and social skills they need for elementary school, and we’re also able to help parents incorporate learning experiences in their children’s home life as well.”
The Inspired Beginnings Learning Academy will be open Monday through Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. This facility underscores Hormel Foods’ dedication to creating a supportive and thriving community for their employees and sets a benchmark for others in the industry to follow.
For more information about the Inspired Beginnings Learning Academy, visit Bright Horizons – Inspired Beginnings.
This investment by Hormel Foods showcases their leadership in nurturing a positive workplace culture and their innovative approach to employee retention, setting a valuable example for the swine industry and beyond.
