Rural Issue

Smithfield partners with Feed the Children to address food insecurity challenges

Smithfield Foods has partnered with Feed the Children to distribute food and school supplies to local communities.

In total, three resource rallies will provide families in need with wholesome food items, backpacks, shelf-stable food, and household essentials. The events will take place in three communities where Smithfield Foods operates as a local employer. One in five children in the U.S. experiences food insecurity, and hunger remains an issue for many.

The first event was held in Crete, Nebraska on August 6, 2024.  Another event is scheduled for August 13, 2024, in Monmouth, Illinois, and the final event on August 26, 2024, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  The rallies were made possible by a $100,000 donation from Smithfield Foods.  Jonathan Toms, senior community development manager for Smithfield Foods, says there’s a part everyone can play in the fight against hunger.  He says back-to-school time is the perfect opportunity to hold these rallies.

In addition, Smithfield will donate thousands of pounds of much-needed protein to the families served at the vent.

Smithfield also recently donated $500,000 to fund SUN Bucks in North Carolina – a permanent USDA program that provides food assistance to families during the summer.  The company also made a donation of $100,000 to support two pay-what-you-can cafes.  One is in the Kansas City area, and the other is in North Carolina.

AUDIO: Jonathan Toms, Smithfield Foods

Photo courtesy of Smithfield Foods.