SAINT PAUL, Minn., Dec. 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Cub joined forces to donate more than 41,000 pounds of protein to Second Harvest Heartland. 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 164,000 servings, will help families facing hunger across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

“High-quality protein products are center of the plate items that are always in demand, even more so during the holiday season,” said Rob Zeaske, CEO of Second Harvest Heartland. “We are thankful for this considerable donation from Smithfield and Cub, which provides those in our service area with nutrient-rich and comforting food this season that is otherwise hard for not only families in need to acquire, but the food bank as well.”

Smithfield and Cub representatives presented the donation to Second Harvest Heartland at an event at a local Cub store 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 more than 50 counties.

“At Cub, we look forward to the opportunities we have to align with like-minded, community-focused organizations to support our local area,” said Chad Ferguson, president of Cub Operations. “Cub is honored to stand again with Smithfield to support food security through this protein donation to Second Harvest Heartland that will feed our neighbors in need.”

This is the 54th 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, Smithfield is honored to provide those facing food insecurity with wholesome protein,” said Jonathan Toms, associate manager of charitable initiatives for Smithfield Foods. “This donation to Second Harvest Heartland will provide many across the food bank’s service area with much-needed protein during the winter season, an especially important time to support those who are in need of food assistance.”

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 Second Harvest Heartland
Second Harvest Heartland is one of the largest, most efficient and most innovative hunger relief organizations in the nation. In close partnership with nearly 1,000 food shelves, food pantries and other meal programs, Second Harvest Heartland helps the one in ten people in Minnesota and western Wisconsin who face hunger every day. On average, 74 percent of food our partner agencies distribute comes from Second Harvest Heartland. In 2017, Second Harvest Heartland helped provide a record 81 million meals to more than a half million people. We will continue to leverage our unique position in the emergency food chain to advocate, educate and provide food until everyone in our service area has what they need to thrive. For more information, visit 2harvest.org or call 651.484.5117.

About Cub
Cub, based in Stillwater, Minn., was established in 1968 as one of the nation’s first discount grocery stores. The organization was purchased in 1980 by SUPERVALU® and operates 78 stores in Minnesota and Illinois that offer customers fresh produce, a wide selection and food expertise throughout the stores to meet their everyday grocery needs. As the hometown grocer for 50 years, Cub has made it a priority to be a good corporate citizen by helping to create healthy and thriving communities that enhance the quality of life for its customers, employees and neighbors. For company news and information, follow us on Twitter® at @CubFoods and Facebook® at www.facebook.com/Cub, or visit our website at www.cub.com.

Media Contacts:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0070b5b-cbed-4b14-9502-d255c72f374b