Smithfield Foods Contributes 50,000 Pounds of Protein to Mayflower Marathon Food Drive
In a significant gesture aimed at combating local food insecurity, Smithfield Foods announced its donation of a remarkable 50,000 pounds of protein to the 28th Annual Mayflower Marathon Food and Fund Drive. This substantial contribution is set to benefit two regional food banks - the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and Eastern Shore. This year's event not only embodies the spirit of generosity but also marks a continued commitment from Smithfield Foods to serve its community during the holiday season.
Smithfield Foods' involvement at the Mayflower Marathon went beyond just a monetary or product contribution. Over 40 of its dedicated employees volunteered their time to assist in the logistics of the food drive. From unloading boxes of donations to organizing the food items, these employees played a crucial role in ensuring that the event ran smoothly. Steve Evans, the Vice President of Community Development at Smithfield, expressed pride in the company's role in the event: "Smithfield Foods is honored to continue our support for the Mayflower Marathon, which makes a real difference for many local families and individuals facing food insecurity this holiday season."
The donated food, which included various meat products such as bacon, ham, and smoked sausage, translates to approximately 200,000 servings of protein for families in need across Southeastern Virginia. Bob Latvis, CEO of the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, emphasized the importance of protein in a nutritious diet, especially during these times when many families struggle with affordability. He stated, "The annual protein donation from Smithfield Foods at this year's 28th Mayflower Marathon Holiday Food Drive will make a meaningful difference in the lives of families experiencing food insecurity." Notably, Smithfield Foods has a history of such impactful donations; their Helping Hungry Homes® program has delivered hundreds of millions of servings nationwide since 2008, with over 30 million servings in 2023 alone.
Food insecurity is an issue that has been exacerbated in recent years, and local food banks, including the participating Virginia Peninsula and Southeastern Virginia Foodbanks, have been at the forefront of the fight against hunger. With over 216 million meals provided to families in need, the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank plays an essential role in ensuring food access to the community. The organization not only provides immediate relief but also engages in education and advocacy efforts aimed at addressing the underlying causes of hunger.
Christopher Tan, President and CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, echoed Latvis's sentiments, saying, "We are deeply grateful for Smithfield Foods' generosity and ongoing commitment to fighting hunger in our region. Protein is one of the most essential yet challenging items to secure for families facing food insecurity, especially during the holidays." As values of community support are put into action during events like these, Smithfield Foods’ efforts exemplify how corporate responsibility can lead to tangible impacts on local communities. This initiative ensures that many families can gather for meals that nourish not just their bodies but also their spirits, particularly during a season that emphasizes connection and togetherness.
The holiday season typically brings increased focus on charity, yet the donations and volunteer efforts by Smithfield also reflect a year-round commitment to aiding those in need. Smithfield Foods has set an ambitious goal of donating 200 million servings of protein by 2025, a testament to their proactive stance on food relief and community support. This vision aims to eliminate hunger within the regions they serve, bridging gaps for those who might otherwise go without.
For additional insights into the programs initiated by Smithfield to uplift local communities and combat hunger, you can visit their website at smithfieldfoods.com/helping-communities. This vital partnership not only facilitates access to nutritious food but also fosters a sense of belonging and care among individuals, making every meal an opportunity for hope and relief during the festive season and beyond.
Smithfield Foods' involvement at the Mayflower Marathon went beyond just a monetary or product contribution. Over 40 of its dedicated employees volunteered their time to assist in the logistics of the food drive. From unloading boxes of donations to organizing the food items, these employees played a crucial role in ensuring that the event ran smoothly. Steve Evans, the Vice President of Community Development at Smithfield, expressed pride in the company's role in the event: "Smithfield Foods is honored to continue our support for the Mayflower Marathon, which makes a real difference for many local families and individuals facing food insecurity this holiday season."
The donated food, which included various meat products such as bacon, ham, and smoked sausage, translates to approximately 200,000 servings of protein for families in need across Southeastern Virginia. Bob Latvis, CEO of the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, emphasized the importance of protein in a nutritious diet, especially during these times when many families struggle with affordability. He stated, "The annual protein donation from Smithfield Foods at this year's 28th Mayflower Marathon Holiday Food Drive will make a meaningful difference in the lives of families experiencing food insecurity." Notably, Smithfield Foods has a history of such impactful donations; their Helping Hungry Homes® program has delivered hundreds of millions of servings nationwide since 2008, with over 30 million servings in 2023 alone.
Food insecurity is an issue that has been exacerbated in recent years, and local food banks, including the participating Virginia Peninsula and Southeastern Virginia Foodbanks, have been at the forefront of the fight against hunger. With over 216 million meals provided to families in need, the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank plays an essential role in ensuring food access to the community. The organization not only provides immediate relief but also engages in education and advocacy efforts aimed at addressing the underlying causes of hunger.
Christopher Tan, President and CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, echoed Latvis's sentiments, saying, "We are deeply grateful for Smithfield Foods' generosity and ongoing commitment to fighting hunger in our region. Protein is one of the most essential yet challenging items to secure for families facing food insecurity, especially during the holidays." As values of community support are put into action during events like these, Smithfield Foods’ efforts exemplify how corporate responsibility can lead to tangible impacts on local communities. This initiative ensures that many families can gather for meals that nourish not just their bodies but also their spirits, particularly during a season that emphasizes connection and togetherness.
The holiday season typically brings increased focus on charity, yet the donations and volunteer efforts by Smithfield also reflect a year-round commitment to aiding those in need. Smithfield Foods has set an ambitious goal of donating 200 million servings of protein by 2025, a testament to their proactive stance on food relief and community support. This vision aims to eliminate hunger within the regions they serve, bridging gaps for those who might otherwise go without.
For additional insights into the programs initiated by Smithfield to uplift local communities and combat hunger, you can visit their website at smithfieldfoods.com/helping-communities. This vital partnership not only facilitates access to nutritious food but also fosters a sense of belonging and care among individuals, making every meal an opportunity for hope and relief during the festive season and beyond.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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