CORRECTING and REPLACING - Smithfield Foods Now Accepting 2020 Charitable Grant Applications

Company will contribute up to $1.5 million to support hunger relief, education, and veterans  


SMITHFIELD, Va., Aug. 01, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Smithfield Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Smithfield Foods, Inc., is pleased to announce that applications for the company’s charitable grant program are now available. First launched in December 2018, Smithfield’s annual charitable grant program supports projects with key non-profit partners that align with the company’s three charitable giving focus areas: hunger relief, education, and veterans.

The grant program adds to the tens of millions of dollars invested annually through cash and in-kind donations, including nearly $29 million in 2018, to address the unique needs of Smithfield’s local communities. Each grant awarded will be a minimum of $250,000. Organizations interested in applying must be a recognized 501(c)(3) public charity to be considered eligible.

“Smithfield Foods is truly passionate about supporting the places where our employees live, work, and raise their families through philanthropic efforts focused on three signature causes that align with the needs of our people and communities, including hunger relief, education, and veterans,” said Keira Lombardo, executive vice president of corporate affairs and compliance for Smithfield Foods and president of the Smithfield Foundation. “We take our commitment to the vitality of these local communities seriously and are thrilled to partner with organizations to create meaningful, positive change through our charitable grant program.”

The online application is now available until December 1, 2019. Awarded recipients will be notified of their selection in February 2020. To apply for a Smithfield Foundation grant, please visit smithfieldfoods.com/about-smithfield/philanthropy.

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.  

Media Contact:
Dalton Agency for Smithfield Foods
Lauren Homrich
lhomrich@daltonagency.com
(904) 398-5222