COLUMBIA, Mo., Sept. 07, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yesterday, Smithfield Foods' Helping Hungry Homes® initiative, a program focused on alleviating hunger and helping Americans become more food secure, joined forces with Schnuck Markets, Inc. to donate more than 35,000 pounds of protein to The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri. The donation, equivalent to nearly 143,000 servings, will help those fighting hunger across central and northeast Missouri, where one in six individuals are food insecure.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/051a51ef-140f-4606-b872-441b1b8fdc36

"Protein is an essential part of a balanced meal," said Lindsay Young-Lopez, executive director of The Food Bank. "It is greatly needed and an often-difficult resource to acquire. We are tremendously appreciative of Smithfield's generous donation."

Smithfield and Schnucks representatives presented the donation to The Food Bank this morning at an event that raised awareness of hunger's impact in the local community. Members from all three organizations discussed the significance of protein donations in helping the more than 100,000 individuals The Food Bank serves regularly.

"As a company, Schnucks understands how imperative it is to support the fight against hunger," said Joanie Taylor, Schnucks director of community relations. "We are especially thrilled to partner with Smithfield and The Food Bank to offer relief to our local community members who are seeking assistance."

Smithfield's donation to The Food Bank was a part of the Helping Hungry Homes® 2017 nationwide donation tour. Throughout the annual tour, Smithfield will provide large-scale protein donations to nearly 60 food banks across the country. This donation adds to the more than 65 million servings of protein donated since 2011.

"At Smithfield, we understand the importance of proper nutrition and value our responsibility to raise awareness of and alleviate hunger throughout the country," said Dennis Pittman, senior director of hunger relief for Smithfield Foods. "Today, we are proud to offer our support to The Food Bank and provide delicious, protein-rich meal options to people throughout its service area."

Following this event, Helping Hungry Homes® will visit Richmond, VA, Friday, Sept. 8. For more information about Helping Hungry Homes® and a list of upcoming donation events, visit helpinghungryhomes.com.

About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including SmithfieldⓇ, EckrichⓇ, Nathan's FamousⓇ, FarmlandⓇ, ArmourⓇ, John MorrellⓇ, Cook'sⓇ, KretschmarⓇ, GwaltneyⓇ, Curly'sⓇ, MargheritaⓇ, CarandoⓇ, Healthy OnesⓇ, KrakusⓇ, MorlinyⓇ and BerlinkiⓇ. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.

About Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri
The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri is a regional disaster and hunger relief network that acquires and distributes millions of pounds of food annually to individuals in need through 140 partner agencies across a 32-county area. A member of Feeding America, The Food Bank is able to work with manufacturers, wholesalers, processors, growers, retailers and restaurants to secure donations and food at reduced costs.

About Schnuck Markets, Inc.
Founded in St. Louis in 1939, Schnuck Markets, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned grocery/pharmacy retailer committed to nourishing people's lives. The company takes pride in its community partnerships and gives more than $13 million annually in food to food pantries and more than $1.7 million to not-for-profit organizations through the company's My Schnucks Card program. Schnucks operates 100 stores in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa. Privately held, Schnucks employs 14,000 teammates and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Follow Schnucks on Facebook at www.facebook.com/schnucks.  

Media Contacts:

Dalton Agency for Smithfield
Heather Houston
(904) 398-5222
hhouston@daltonagency.com

The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri
Janese Silvey
(573) 647-6555
janeses@sharefoodbringhope.org

Schnucks
Paul Simon
(314) 994-4603
psimon@schnucks.com