Eckrich Honors Utah Family as Part of Ongoing Campaign

Eckrich, the makers of naturally hardwood smoked sausage and savory deli meats, partnered with Smith's Food and Drug Stores and Operation Homefront to honor a Utah military family.

To thank and support the Hatch Family for their service and sacrifice, Eckrich presented the family with a gift of free groceries for a year at Smith's, valued at more than $13,000, as well as tickets to the University of Oregon and University of Utah football game on Saturday.

Sergeant Christopher Hatch served nine years in the Utah Army National Guard, during which he worked on weapons and the electrical system of the Apache Helicopter. Sergeant Hatch served during Operation Enduring Freedom, earning multiple medals and awards. Hatch and his wife, Heather, have three children together. Heather is a dedicated wife, caregiver, and mother, and is a member of Operation Homefront's Hearts of Valor program, a network of more than 3,000 caregivers which provides annual retreats, support groups, and online communities.

"We are honored to receive this gift," says Heather Hatch. "This will help our family in so many ways.  We want to thank Eckrich, Smith's, and Operation Homefront for all their support."

This surprise is part of an ongoing campaign by Eckrich to honor, thank, and support military families through its partnership with Operation Homefront, company officials say. The Hatch family is supported by Operation Homefront's Hearts of Valor program, a network of more than 3,000 caregivers which provides annual retreats, support groups, and online communities.

Thursday's event is also part of the Eckrich "Road to the National Championship" program, where a military family is honored at 13 of the biggest college football games of the year. Eckrich, now in its fifth year of partnership with Operation Homefront, has already donated more than $2.5 million since 2012.

"It is an honor for Eckrich to thank and support our military families all across the country," says Jennifer Zmrhal, Smithfield Foods senior director of marketing. "Eckrich realizes the importance of recognizing the whole family for their service and sacrifice to our country. It is a privilege to have the Hatch family join us today and we are pleased to present them with free groceries for one year."