FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., Jan. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods, Inc. has joined forces with Food Lion to support North Carolina military members and their loved ones. The global food company donated 1,000 ham coupons to soldiers and families at Fort Bragg, a military installation of the United States Army. Food Lion also donated 1,000 coupons for families to use towards purchases at their local store.
"At Food Lion, we are committed to serving our communities," said Kris Thornton, Food Lion Director of Operations over the Fayetteville area. "We're so grateful for the sacrifices our service members and their families make every day. By partnering with Smithfield, we hope to provide a little joy for so many of our military families."
Smithfield's contribution aligns with its charitable giving and philanthropic efforts, which includes supporting those who have served in our nation's military, education and hunger relief efforts. This donation also supports Food Lion's commitment to nourish local communities through associate volunteerism, food donations, and in-store promotions.
"At Smithfield, we are honored to thank our nation's military for their service," said Kenneth M. Sullivan, president and chief executive officer for Smithfield Foods. "Through this donation, and with support from Food Lion, we are proud to bring military families together to enjoy a wholesome meal."
Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Fort Bragg is the largest military installation in the world. The donation from Smithfield and Food Lion, valued at $25,000, will honor and give back to the men, women and families stationed at Fort Bragg.
Smithfield has a long history of supporting military causes through volunteerism, food and charitable donations and partnerships. In the past five years, Smithfield has donated more than $3 million to Operation Homefront through its Eckrich® brand. Last year, Smithfield introduced two new veterans' initiatives — Smithfield Salutes and Operation 4000!. Smithfield Salutes is a Veterans Employee Resource Group that aims to make the transition from military to civilian life a seamless one. Through Operation 4000!, Smithfield is working to employ 4,000 veterans—10 percent of its U.S. workforce—by 2020.
To learn more about Smithfield's support of veterans, visit smithfieldfoods.com/veterans.
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®, Farmer John®, Kretschmar®, John Morrell®, Cook's®, Gwaltney®, Carando®, Margherita®, Curly's®, Healthy Ones®, Morliny®, Krakus® 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 Lion
Food Lion, based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, has more than 1,100 stores in 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states and employs more than 65,000 associates. By leveraging its longstanding heritage of low prices and convenient locations, Food Lion is working to own the easiest full shop grocery experience in the Southeast, anchored by a strong commitment to affordability, freshness and the communities it serves. Through Food Lion Feeds, the company has committed to provide 500 million meals to individuals and families in need by the end of 2020. Food Lion is a company of Delhaize America, a U.S. division of Amsterdam-based Royal Ahold Delhaize Group (OTC:ADRNY). For more information, visit www.foodlion.com.
Contact:
Diana Souder
Smithfield Foods, Inc.
(757) 357-1675
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/173a24c3-2bcc-4a82-96a7-d7a0260a43a6