BARRE, Vt., May 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Hannaford Supermarkets joined forces to donate more than 36,000 pounds of protein to the Vermont Foodbank. 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 144,000 servings, will help families fight hunger across the state of Vermont.

“At the Vermont Foodbank, we aim to support the health of our communities by providing quality food so that no one in Vermont goes hungry,” said Nicole Whalen, Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the Vermont Foodbank. “One in four people struggle with hunger in our state, but with help from generous partners like Smithfield, we can support our neighbors in need.”

Representatives from Smithfield Foods and Hannaford presented the donation to the Vermont Foodbank at an event at the Foodbank this morning. Members of each organization discussed food insecurity in the local community and the significance of this donation that will provide protein throughout the food bank’s service area, which includes more than 150,000 individuals who face hunger across the state of Vermont.

“We’re proud to play an active role in improving the quality of life in the communities we serve,” said Brian Fabre, Community Relations Specialist for Hannaford. “Through this joint donation with Smithfield, we are able to make sure our neighbors in need in Vermont have wholesome, nutritious meals this summer.”

This is the 26th large-scale protein donation made by Smithfield to food banks across the country during its 2019 Helping Hungry Homes® 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.

“Smithfield is truly passionate about helping fill the shortfall of nutritious, protein-rich food sources that food banks often face,” said Jonathan Toms, associate manager of charitable initiatives for Smithfield Foods. “We are committed to our company’s social purpose to feed those in need, and honored to provide such an impactful donation to the people of Vermont.”

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 The Vermont Foodbank
The Vermont Foodbank is the state’s largest hunger-relief organization, providing nutritious food and promoting health through a network of 215 food shelves, meal sites, senior centers and after-school programs, and directly to families, children, older adults and individuals at schools and hospital. Last year, the Vermont Foodbank distributed more than 12 million pounds of food to 153,100 Vermonters. The Vermont Foodbank, a member of Feeding America, is nationally recognized as one of the most effective and efficient nonprofits and food banks in the nation. Learn more at www.vtfoodbank.org.

About Hannaford
Hannaford Supermarkets, based in Scarborough, Maine, is a committed and engaged community partner in fighting hunger relief. Last year, Hannaford donated nearly 26 million pounds of food to pantries, meal programs, and food banks. Hannaford operates 181 stores in the Northeast—with stores located in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Hannaford employs more than 26,000 associates. Additional information can be found at www.hannaford.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9818f773-62a5-4850-85d4-404dba15af72

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