November 23, 2020

Smithfield Foods contributes 80,000-pound protein donation

Smithfield Foods, Inc. has donated more than 75,000 pounds of protein on November 20 to mark the 24th Annual Mayflower Marathon food drive, benefiting US foodbanks Virginia Peninsula Foodbank and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

This donation will provide the equivalent of more than 300,000 servings of nutritious protein to assist those suffering from food insecurity throughout Hampton Roads.

The Mayflower Marathon is an annual 57-hour consecutive food and fund drive that takes place this year on November 20–22. Community members can contribute directly from their vehicle at four locations across Southeast Virginia in Hampton, Virginia Beach, Yorktown, and Suffolk. All food and monetary donations collected throughout the weekend will benefit Virginia Peninsula Foodbank and Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, who will collect and distribute food quickly to families in need this Thanksgiving.

"We're very grateful to Smithfield Foods for the generous contribution to the Mayflower Marathon food drive," said Karen Joyner, CEO of the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. "This donation will play an essential part in our ability to bring hope and nourishment to families across the greater peninsula who are experiencing food insecurity."

"For years, Smithfield has been an invaluable partner in our fight against food insecurity, and we thank them for joining us again — especially during such a challenging year," said Dr. Ruth Jones Nichols, president and CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. "With Smithfield's help, we are able to provide healthy meals to keep families nourished, thriving and looking ahead to brighter future."

Recognising a time of increased need for US food banks during the country's response to COVID-19, Smithfield has prioritised supporting local communities in 2020 via contributions through the company's signature hunger-relief initiative, Helping Hungry Homes. In September, the company reached a milestone donation of 40 million servings of protein to Feeding America member food banks across the US.

"As a longtime supporter of the Mayflower Marathon food drive, Smithfield is committed to aiding our neighbors across Southeastern Virginia with this contribution," said Jonathan Toms, charitable initiatives manager for Smithfield Foods. "The Thanksgiving holiday will undoubtedly look different for many this year and we hope this donation of protein benefits those who might be struggling with hunger during these challenging times."

- PRNewswire