SMITHFIELD, Va., May 14, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods, Inc., announced today a $10,000 donation to the James River Association to support efforts to restore and protect the future of Virginia’s largest river. To kick-off the continuation of the partnership, Smithfield employees contributed their time with James River Association staff to clean trash from Tyler Beach in Rushmere, Virginia. An important part of the James River watershed, more than 340 pounds of trash were removed from the river’s shores.

“We are extremely grateful for Smithfield’s generous contribution to our environmental clean up efforts,” said Bill Street, CEO of the James River Association. “The James River is an important part of Virginia’s ecosystem, as more than one-third of all Virginians rely on the river and its tributaries for water, commerce, and recreation. It’s encouraging to see such a large company focused on environmental stewardship.”

The James River Association engages community partners and members to protect Virginia’s founding river, and works to inspire individuals through environmental education and community conservation programs. Smithfield’s donation will make a significant contribution towards continued preservation of the James River shoreline that flows across the entire state and enable the organization’s ongoing efforts to protect the river, improve water quality, and enhance community vibrancy and individual health.

“Environmental stewardship is a key focus area for Smithfield as we know our company’s size enables us with opportunities to make positive environmental impacts,” said Stewart Leeth, vice president of regulatory affairs and chief sustainability officer for Smithfield Foods. “We are so pleased to once again contribute to the James River Association to support clean up efforts right here at home and engage our employees to be part of that process to improve our community.”

For more information about Smithfield’s commitment to its local communities, please visit smithfieldfoods.com/helpingcommunities or read the company’s 2017 Sustainability Report.

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 James River Association
The James River Association is a member-supported nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to serve as a guardian and voice for the James River. Throughout the James River’s 10,000-square mile watershed, the James River Association works toward its vision of a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. The James River Association believes that “when you change the James, the James changes you". With offices in Lynchburg, Scottsville, Richmond, and Williamsburg, the James River Association is committed to protecting the James River and connecting people to it. For more information visit www.TheJamesRiver.org. 

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0857ebdf-2412-4838-8354-c25ed37f86d6