Pennsylvanians know how the Grocery Outlet jingle goes. It’s a catchy tune. Now shoppers can hum and consider this partnership with Smithfield Foods, which donated over 41,000 pounds of protein as part of the grocer’s Independence from Hunger® Food Drive. The pounds of meat went to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to provide protein on plates for family tables facing food insecurity.
"This protein donation in partnership with Grocery Outlet will support the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to make a significant difference for our neighbors facing food insecurity," said Jonathan Toms, Senior Community Development Manager for Smithfield Foods. "Smithfield is dedicated to strengthening our local communities, and we're joining the fight against hunger in Pennsylvania where more than 175 of our team members live and work."
The Independence from Hunger Food Drive has collected more than $20 million in donations nationwide since its launch in 2011. According to a release, this Hunger campaign is pivotal to Grocery Outlet’s community commitment, as the grocer has been giving back for 78 years now.
"This donation from Smithfield Foods helps us to further reach our goal during our Independence from Hunger Food Drive," said Alejandro Alvarez Correa, Chief Marketing Officer for Grocery Outlet. "It's partnerships like these that make a lasting impact in our local communities."
The protein donated by Smithfield includes Smithfield pork products such as ribs, pork butts, and Smithfield’s marinated tenderloins. In total, the donation provided almost 167,000 servings for Pennsylvania individuals facing food insecurity in 27 counties.
"Independence from Hunger and Helping Hungry Homes® is exactly what we're working for every day at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, and we know that thousands of our neighbors experiencing food insecurity will be grateful to receive these nutritious pork products from Smithfield Foods and Grocery Outlet," said Joe Arthur, Chief Executive Officer for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. "We are in a hunger crisis due to persistent inflation, and we are asking others to follow the example set by contributing generously. We need more help, more food, and more financial support than ever."
Since 2008, Smithfield’s own hunger relief program, Helping Hungry Homes®, has provided hundreds of millions of protein servings to all 50 states, including some countries abroad. Smithfield has pledged to donate 200 million servings of protein by 2025.
As a consumer, it’s always good to hear about successful efforts in food donation. To keep hearing more good news about food brands and grocers, click back to Deli Market News.
