The Meat Institute recognized nearly 100 meat and poultry facilities at the 2026 Environmental, Labor and Safety+ Conference in Houston, Texas, for showcasing their commitment to continuous improvement in the areas of environmental achievement, worker safety and community impact.

“This year’s award winners reflect the innovation, commitment and leadership that define the meat and poultry industry,” said Julie Anna Potts, president and CEO of the Meat Institute. “Their work to advance worker safety, environmental stewardship and strong communities demonstrates how our member companies are continuously improving and investing in the people, processes and technologies that keep our food system resilient.”

Community Impact and Corporate Wellbeing Awards

Community Impact and Corporate Wellbeing Awards are granted to companies that improve the health and wellness of their local and corporate communities.

Fresh Mark Inc., FPL Food LLC and Triumph Foods were recognized in the Community Wellness category, alongside honorable mentions for Bob Evans Food Inc. and Chomps. Marcus Food Co. took first place in the Innovation category.

Worker Safety Awards

The Worker Safety Recognition Awards honor facilities that have achieved a high level of safety performance as part of the continuing effort to reduce occupational injury and illness.

The awards are based on a National Safety Council (NSC) evaluation of each eligible establishment's actual safety performance as well as its implementation of various key components of an effective safety and health program. The NSC staff examined Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Total Recordable Cases rate and the rate for Cases with Days Away From Work, Job Transfer, or Restriction (DART) data for each facility.

Environmental Achievement Awards

Environmental Achievement Awards are for companies demonstrating innovative leadership and progress in emissions reduction, energy conservation, packaging/food waste reduction, technological innovation and water conservation. The following companies were awarded:

Water Conservation
1st Place: Fresh Mark Inc. — Massillon, Ohio
 2nd Place: Pilgrim's — Arcadia, Wisc.
 3rd Place: Calihan Processing Cooperative — Peoria, Ill.

Emissions Reduction
 1st Place: Thomas Foods International USA — Swedesboro, N.J.
 2nd Place: Tyson Farms Inc., River Valley Ingredients — Harmony, N.C.
 3rd Place: OSI Group — West Jordan, Utah

Energy Conservation
 1st Place: Lopez Dorada — Oklahoma City, Okla.
 2nd Place Land O' Frost Inc. — Lansing, Ill.
 3rd Place: Land O' Frost Inc. — Searcy, Ark.

Packaging and/or Food Waste Reduction
 1st Place: OSI Group — Oakland, Iowa
 2nd Place: Fresh Mark Inc. — Massillon, Ohio

Technological Innovation
 1st Place: Greater Omaha Packing — Omaha, Neb.

Source: Meat Institute