#United States #Smithfield Foods #Food Security #Holiday Hams #Smithfield, Virginia

Smithfield Foods Delivers Hope This Holiday Season

In a compassionate effort to combat hunger during the festive season, Smithfield Foods has distributed 2,000 free Smithfield Hickory Smoked Spiral Sliced Hams to families in need across southeastern Virginia and North Carolina. The distribution events took place on December 13, 2024, in Smithfield, Virginia, and Kenansville, North Carolina, where community members were invited to drive through and collect their holiday dinners.

Volunteer Efforts and Community Impact

More than 80 dedicated Smithfield employees volunteered to ensure the success of these events, where 1,000 hams were handed out at each location. These hams were accompanied by 1,000 grocery bags filled with holiday side dishes, thanks to the generosity of corporate partners, Kroger and Food Lion, highlighting the collaborative effort to alleviate food insecurity.

Stephanie Edwards, an associate human resources generalist at Smithfield, commented, "Addressing hunger in our local communities is a top priority for Smithfield, especially during the holiday season." The initiative aimed to support families who might be struggling with food insecurity at a time typically associated with joy and abundance.

Partnerships for a Greater Cause

Kroger contributed to the success of the Smithfield event by providing grocery bags filled with seasonal items, while Food Lion followed suit in Kenansville. Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting local families during the holidays. Shane Smith, President and CEO of Smithfield Foods, expressed gratitude, stating, "We're thankful to Kroger and Food Lion for their collaboration in helping us bring hope and support to our neighbors in need during this season of giving."

Community Collaboration

In addition to the food provided by Smithfield, the events were supported by local food banks. At the Smithfield event, collaborations were made with the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, while the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina worked alongside Smithfield in Kenansville. These partnerships made it possible to reach individuals and families who could greatly benefit from a festive meal.

Smithfield's Commitment to Alleviating Hunger

Smithfield Foods has a long-standing commitment to addressing hunger in America through its Helping Hungry Homes® program, which has provided over hundreds of millions of servings of protein to those in need since its inception in 2008. In 2023 alone, the company donated more than 30 million servings of protein to various outreach programs and disaster relief efforts, with a pledge to donate 200 million servings by 2025.

Sherique Jenkins, director of operations at Food Lion, added, "At Food Lion, we believe that no one should have to make the difficult choice between paying for essentials or having enough food. We are committed to supporting our communities and are honored to partner with Smithfield Foods to assist our neighbors in need."

Conclusion

As the holiday season approaches, the actions taken by Smithfield Foods, along with their partners, demonstrate a powerful commitment to community support and food security. Their collective efforts make a tangible difference in the lives of many families, ensuring that no one has to face the holidays without access to a warm meal. For more information on Smithfield’s initiatives in community support, visit smithfieldfoods.com/helping-communities.