SALISBURY, Md. — 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,” Kevin McAdams, Perdue Farms CEO, said. “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, the company added.
“We are honored and thankful for the leadership Perdue demonstrates in helping the local community through our partnership, especially in our most recent 80th anniversary year,” Pam Gregory, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore president and CEO, said. “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 number one 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, the company said, adding that it 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.
