MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Smithfield Foods and Kroger joined forces to donate nearly 33,000 pounds of protein to the Mid-South community in Memphis. Equivalent to more than 130,000 servings, the donation supported more than 1,000 local veterans at a Thanksgiving food drive event. Following the event, remaining servings will continue to benefit those in need through the Mid-South Food Bank's 31-county service area. The donation was part of Smithfield's Helping Hungry Homes® initiative, a program focused on alleviating hunger and helping Americans become more food secure.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2073041a-fa38-462d-bdce-dc58b2169df1

"Protein, an important part to a balanced diet, is a resource that is difficult for food banks and so many of our neighbors in need to acquire," said Estella Mayhue-Greer, president and CEO of Mid-South Food Bank. "We are thankful for Smithfield's considerable donation, that will help us to serve nutrient-rich meals to thousands in our community for weeks to come."

Smithfield presented the donation at a Thanksgiving food drive for local veterans at Liberty Bowl Stadium, in Memphis. The food drive was hosted by Kroger, the City of Memphis and Alpha Omega Veterans Services. The event provided Thanksgiving care packages to more than 1,000 local veterans, and raised awareness of hunger's impact in the Mid-South community. During the event, Mayor Jim Strickland, Smithfield and Kroger discussed the significance of protein donations in helping to support 20 percent of Mid-South community members who face food insecurity each day.

"At Kroger, we're honored to give back to the communities we call home," said Scot Hendricks, president of Kroger Delta Division and Mid-South Food Bank board member. "This season is a time to give thanks, and we're incredibly thankful for great partners like Smithfield, who help make our purpose to Feed the Human SpiritTM possible."

Throughout its 2017 Helping Hungry Homes® tour, Smithfield will make large-scale protein donations to more than 60 food banks across the country. Since 2011, Smithfield has provided more than 80 million servings of protein to hunger relief organizations through this initiative. Smithfield's donation to the Mid-South community also aligns with the company's philanthropic efforts, which include supporting hunger-relief and veterans' causes among other areas of focus.

"As a global food company, we value our responsibility to provide hunger relief for those who otherwise may not know where their next meal will come from," said Dennis Pittman, senior director of hunger relief for Smithfield Foods. "We hope this contribution to the community will inspire others to support their neighbors in need during the holidays, when donations are especially impactful, and year-round."

For more information about Smithfield Foods' Helping Hungry Homes® initiative 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 Mid-South Food Bank
The Mission of Mid-South Food Bank is to change lives by eliminating hunger in the Mid-South.  We distribute food through a network of partner food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, youth programs and more in 31 counties in west Tennessee, north Mississippi and east Arkansas.  Last year, Mid-South Food Bank distributed more than 13 million pounds of food to hungry Mid-Southerners. 

About Kroger
Every day, the Kroger Family of Companies makes a difference in the lives of eight and a half million customers and 443,000 associates who shop or serve in 2,796 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Kroger and its subsidiaries operate an expanding ClickList offering — a personalized, order online, pick up at the store service — in addition to our 2,255 pharmacies, 784 convenience stores, 319 fine jewelry stores, 220 retail health clinics, 1,445 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Kroger is recognized as one of America's most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable. 

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