AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Smithfield Foods, Inc. and H-E-B joined forces to donate more than 40,000 pounds of protein to the Central Texas Food Bank. 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 facing hunger in Central Texas.

“At the Central Texas Food Bank, we believe there’s strength in numbers and working together to make a positive impact,” said Derrick Chubbs, president and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank. “Smithfield’s support with this generous and much-needed donation will allow us to continue to lead the community in the fight against hunger.”

Smithfield and H-E-B representatives presented the donation to the Central Texas Food Bank at an event this morning. Members of each organization discussed food insecurity in the local community and the significance of this donation, which will provide protein throughout the food bank’s service area, reaching thousands of food insecure individuals across 21 counties.

“Like Smithfield, hunger relief plays an incredibly important role in H‑E‑B’s company culture,” said Felicia Pena, Public Affairs Manager of H-E-B Central Texas Region. “We are proud to take part in this donation to Central Texas Food Bank that will help meet the needs of our neighbors and aligns with our commitment to caring for a community we call home.”

This is the 49th 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.

“As a food company, our goal is to provide for those in need who may not know from where, or when, their next meal will come,” said Jonathan Toms, associate manager of charitable initiatives for Smithfield Foods. “While many communities in Texas continue to grow, so does the rate of food insecurity. We are working to alleviate the hardship of hunger in areas of all sizes, demographics, and need 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, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About the Central Texas Food Bank
The mission of the Central Texas Food Bank is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in the fight against hunger. Founded in 1981, the Food Bank provides food and products through a network of nearly 300 Partner Agencies and nutrition programs, serving nearly 46,000 people every week. Headquartered in Austin, the Food Bank serves 21 counties in Central Texas, an area about twice the size of Massachusetts. For more information on the Food Bank and its programs, visit centraltexasfoodbank.org.

About H-E-B
H-E-B, with sales of $25 billion, operates 400 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 113th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and lowest prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 109,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit HEB.com.

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