BUFFALO, N.Y., June 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yesterday, Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Tops Friendly Markets joined forces to donate more than 40,000 pounds of protein to the Food Bank of Western New York (WNY). Smithfield's contribution was part of the company's 2018 Helping Hungry Homes® donation tour. Now in the program's 10th year, Helping Hungry Homes® is Smithfield's signature hunger-relief initiative focused on alleviating hunger and helping Americans become more food secure. The donation, equivalent to more than 160,000 servings, will help families fight hunger across New York. 

"The Food Bank of WNY is grateful for the partnership of Smithfield Foods and Tops Friendly Markets in the fight against hunger," Jerry Sheldon, vice chairperson for the Food Bank of WNY Board of Directors, said. "Protein is an essential component of a nutritious diet, but for many of our hungry community members, it can be hard to come by. This generous donation will benefit the hungry children, families, seniors and veterans who rely on the Food Bank of WNY and our 335 agencies throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties."

Smithfield and Tops Friendly Markets representatives presented the donation to the Food Bank of WNY at an event at the food bank yesterday morning. Members of the organizations discussed food insecurity in the local community and the significance of this donation, which will provide protein throughout the food bank's service area, including four counties in Western New York. 

"At Tops Friendly Markets, we are dedicated to eradicating hunger through donations to our community," said Kristen Hanson, vice president of Center Store, Pharmacy Sales and Merchandising at Tops Friendly Markets. "We are proud to partner with Smithfield Foods to donate to the Food Bank of WNY and continue our efforts against the constant battle of hunger."

This is the 30th large scale protein donation made by Smithfield to food banks across the country during its 2018 Helping Hungry Homes® tour. Since the program's inception in 2008, Smithfield has provided more than 100 million servings of protein to food banks, disaster relief efforts, and community outreach programs nationwide.

"At Smithfield, we understand that many people struggle with making ends meet, and oftentimes this means they don't know where their next meal will come from, whether for themselves or their families," said Dennis Pittman, senior director of hunger relief for Smithfield Foods. "By partnering with Tops Friendly Markets, we want to show our support for the relentless fight against food insecurity in communities such as Western New York and across the country."

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®, 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 the Food Bank of WNY
The Food Bank of WNY is the primary hunger-relief organization in Western New York, obtaining and distributing food to 335 member agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, group homes and youth programs in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. Through these agencies, the Food Bank of WNY serves as many as 140,000 individuals in any given month, including 45,300 households, 54,500 children and infants and 18,370 seniors. For more information, visit www.foodbankwny.org.

About Tops Friendly Markets
Tops Markets, LLC, is headquartered in Williamsville, NY and operates 169 full-service supermarkets with five additional by franchisees under the Tops banner. Tops employs more than 14,000 associates and is a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont. For more information about Tops Markets, visit the company's website at www.topsmarkets.com.

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/704439bd-7702-46cf-ab22-deb174af9565