ST. PAUL, Minn., April 25, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods, Inc. and CUB joined forces to donate more than 32,000 pounds of protein to Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Smithfield’s contribution was part of the company’s 2019 Helping Hungry Homes® donation tour. 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 128,000 servings, will help alleviate hunger in the Twin Cities.

“Our mission is to serve those most in need throughout our cities,” said Aaron Hasnudeen, Food Distribution Supervisor for Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. “We are extremely grateful for this donation of protein from Smithfield’s Helping Hungry Homes® program, as it allows us to offer wholesome meals to some of our most vulnerable neighbors.”

“At CUB, our focus is to provide a fresh and healthy experience, not only for our customers, but to those throughout our communities,” said Randy King, president of CUB. “Being a good neighbor means providing for those beyond our store’s walls and through this joint donation with Smithfield, we are doing just that.”

This is the 20th large-scale protein donation made by Smithfield to food banks across the country during its 2019 Helping Hungry Homes® donation tour. Since the program’s inception in 2008, Smithfield has provided more than 130 million servings of protein to food banks, disaster relief efforts, and community outreach programs nationwide.

“At Smithfield, we understand the benefits of proper nutrition and how important center-of-the-plate protein truly is for those in need,” said Jonathan Toms, associate manager of charitable initiatives for Smithfield Foods. “We are thrilled to partner with CUB to support Catholic Charities’ mission to provide food to those who need it most.”

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, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis
Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis serves those most in need. We are a critical part of the social and civic infrastructure upon which the community relies to solve poverty, create opportunity and advocate for justice. Our programs for children, families and adults annually help approximately 20,000 people, regardless of faith, background or circumstance. Through our advocacy efforts, Catholic Charities serves as a tireless voice for those who often go unheard. Our work would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers and donors. To learn more, please visit www.cctwincities.org.

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 77 grocery 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 over 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: