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Smithfield Foods provided 50,000 pounds of protein to the 28th Annual Mayflower Marathon Food and Fund Drive to benefit the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank and Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.
“Smithfield Foods is honored to continue our support for the Mayflower Marathon, which makes a real difference for many local families and individuals facing food insecurity this holiday season,” said Steve Evans, vice president of community development for Smithfield Foods. “Through our protein donation and employee volunteers, we can bring hope and relief for our neighbors in need.”
Donated food items included bacon, ham and smoked sausage, and will provide 200,000 servings of protein to help take a bite out of hunger for many Southeastern Virginia neighbors this holiday season.
“Protein is such a critical component of a healthy diet that has become very difficult to afford for many families across the Peninsula,” said Bob Latvis, chief executive officer for Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. “The annual protein donation from Smithfield Foods at this year’s 28th Mayflower Marathon Holiday Food Drive will make a meaningful difference in the lives of families experiencing food insecurity. Their compassion and generosity are truly inspiring as they are helping to alleviate food insecurity and bring people together, especially during the holiday season.”
More than 40 local Smithfield employees volunteered at the 57-hour round-the-clock food drive by unloading donations, organizing food items and lending an extra hand to event organizers.
“We are deeply grateful for Smithfield Foods’ generosity and ongoing commitment to fighting hunger in our region,” said Christopher Tan, president and CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. “Protein is one of the most essential yet challenging items to secure for families facing food insecurity, especially during the holidays. This donation will help ensure that thousands of our neighbors can gather around the table with nourishing meals and experience the comfort and connection the holiday season brings.”
Smithfield’s hunger relief program, Helping Hungry Homes®, has provided hundreds of millions of servings of protein all 50 U.S. states since 2008. Smithfield donated more than 30 million servings of protein to food banks, disaster relief efforts and community outreach programs across the U.S. in 2023 and has pledged to donate 200 million servings of protein by 2025.
For more information about Smithfield’s programs to support local communities, please visit smithfieldfoods.com/helping-communities.
