SMITHFIELD, Va., May 06, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Smithfield Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Smithfield Foods, Inc., is pleased to announce a continued partnership with The Global Good Fund to support a second cohort of veteran entrepreneurs. The company’s $400,000 contribution will enable 10 additional veteran entrepreneurs to participate in personalized leadership development, executive mentorship, and access to capital to help invigorate their leadership growth and potential.

“We are thrilled to welcome a second cohort of veteran entrepreneurs into our Fellowship program through Smithfield’s sponsorship,” said Carrie Rich, co-founder and chief executive officer of The Global Good Fund. “This is a gracious contribution, and one that will not only impact our veteran fellows, but others who are inspired by these individuals. This partnership shows that there are innovative, long-term solutions to support our nation’s heroes.”

Smithfield is committed to supporting America’s veterans and military families through volunteerism, food and charitable donations, and partnerships. This substantial contribution to The Global Good Fund is part of the company’s recently announced charitable grant program that aims to address the unique needs of Smithfield’s local communities. The company’s donation will support a year-long program that serves veteran entrepreneurs who are focused on creating sustainable jobs or supporting job search and placement for under and unemployed veterans.

“The impact of The Global Good Fund Fellowship can be seen first-hand through the leadership development of the veterans in the program, and through the individuals they touch long after the program ends,” said Keira Lombardo, executive vice president of corporate affairs and compliance for Smithfield Foods and president of the Smithfield Foundation. “We look forward to a second year of partnership with The Global Good Fund and are eager to watch these fellows continue to grow as change-makers.”

Smithfield Foods believes in the importance of supporting veterans and has donated more than $3 million to veteran-related causes since 2013. For more information about Smithfield’s commitment to 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, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About The Global Good Fund
Through its Fellowship program, The Global Good Fund invests in the human capital of high potential leaders committed to social impact around the world. Fellows are individually paired with senior business executives who serve as mentors and are provided with seasoned leadership development coaches, assessment resources, a network of peer leaders, content expertise, and targeted financial capital.

Since 2013, The Global Good Fund has created a ripple effect of change by investing in the leadership of 105 entrepreneurs who have positively impacted the lives of 8,500,000 people in more than 30 countries. For more information, visit www.globalgoodfund.org, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/114b4ac9-c47c-43bf-802f-3a4d807605f8