Smithfield Foods has donated over 38,000 pounds of protein to aid veterans and families facing food insecurity in Geary County, Kansas. This contribution will be distributed in collaboration with Feeding America’s Kansas Food Bank and the Geary County Food Pantry, ensuring that the community receives the necessary protein servings.
Smithfield Foods’ donation includes bacon, sausage, smoked sausage, ham steaks, hot dogs, and various sandwich meats. This donation is estimated to provide more than 150,000 servings of protein to individuals at risk of hunger in Geary County. The announcement of this donation was made during the Armed Forces Day Celebration on May 18, hosted by the Military Affairs Council near Fort Riley in Junction City, Kansas. Geary County has one of the highest rates of child and overall food insecurity in the state.
Steve Evans, vice president of community development at Smithfield Foods, emphasized the company’s mission to prevent hunger, particularly among military veterans and their families. The donation underscores Smithfield Foods’ commitment to addressing food insecurity in the local community. Tolcha Mesele, senior community development manager at Smithfield Foods, presented a donation check representing over 150,000 servings of food at the event.
Isreal Waddell, director of the Military Affairs Council for Junction City and Geary County, expressed gratitude for Smithfield Foods’ generous contribution and their significant role in the Armed Forces Day event. Waddell highlighted the importance of supporting military families and the positive impact this donation will have on the community.
Since 2008, Smithfield’s hunger relief program, Helping Hungry Homes, has provided hundreds of millions of servings of protein across all 50 U.S. states and in Poland, Romania, and Mexico. In 2023, Smithfield donated nearly 28 million servings of protein to various food banks, disaster relief efforts, and community outreach programs across the United States. The company has pledged to donate 200 million servings of protein by 2025.