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Smithfield Foods, Weis Markets Donate More Than 37,000 Pounds of Protein to Greater Berks Food Bank

Oct 02, 2017 • by Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods Donates 37k LBS Protein to Local Food Bank

WEST LAWN, Pa.–Smithfield Foods’ Helping Hungry Homes® initiative, a program focused on alleviating hunger and helping Americans become more food secure, joined forces with Weis Markets to donate more than 37,000 pounds of protein to the Greater Berks Food Bank. The donation, equivalent to more than 150,000 servings, will help those fighting hunger across Berks County, where one in six individuals are food insecure.

“Protein is an in-demand, yet limited resource for food banks and an essential nutrient needed to support a well-balanced diet,” said Peg Bianca, executive director of the Greater Berks Food Bank. “We’re thankful to Smithfield and Weis for this large-scale donation, which will help provide hunger relief and wholesome meals to thousands in our community.”

Smithfield and Weis representatives presented the donation to the Greater Berks Food Bank this morning at an event that raised awareness of hunger’s impact in the local community. Members from all three organizations discussed the significance of protein donations in helping the 90,000 individuals who face hunger each day in Berks County, PA.

“At Weis Markets, we are honored to join Smithfield’s cause, as giving back to the communities we serve is a core component of our mission,” said Dennis Curtin, director of public relations at Weis Markets. “Today, we are proud to partner with Smithfield and continue our commitment by providing resources to those who rely on the Greater Berks Food Bank for support.”

Smithfield’sdonation to the Greater Berks Food Bank was a part of the Helping Hungry Homes® 2017 nationwide donation tour. Throughout the annual tour, Smithfield will provide large-scale protein donations to nearly 60 food banks across the country. This donation adds to the more than 65 million servings of protein donated since 2011.

“We are pleased to offer our assistance to the Greater Berks Food Bank and the thousands of individuals it serves in the area,” said Dennis Pittman, senior director of hunger relief for Smithfield Foods. “We hope this donation will make a positive impact on the West Lawn community and encourage others to join our fight by volunteering at their local food bank — as hunger is a national issue we’re working relentlessly to alleviate across the country.”

Following today’s event, Helping Hungry Homes® will visit Portland OR, Tuesday, Oct. 3. For more information about Helping Hungry Homes® and a list of upcoming donation events, visit helpinghungryhomes.com.

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