John Morrell Food Group Partners with Share Our Strength

John Morrell Food Group alongside its parent company, Smithfield Foods, announced a partnership with Share Our Strength, a national non-profit organization focused on eliminating childhood hunger in America. Specifically, the food companies will support the organization's No Kid Hungry Campaign and join efforts to ensure all children get the healthy food they need, every day. The No Kid Hungry campaign connects children from food insecure households across the country to nutrition programs, such as school breakfast and summer meals and teaches low-income families how to cook healthy meals within their budget. "Fighting hunger and advancing educational opportunities have long been two of Smithfield's core priorities," says Dennis H. Treacy, executive vice president and chief sustainability officer for Smithfield Foods. "Not only does partnering with Share Our Strength help us battle childhood hunger here in the United States, but it also helps ensure that students get the nutrition they need before, during, and after school This important work is accomplished through the No Kid Hungry network, which is made up of private citizens, public officials, nonprofit organizations and business leaders providing innovative hunger solutions in their communities. John Morrell Food Group and Smithfield Foods now are a part of that network. "We are really excited about joining forces with Share Our Strength and getting involved with their No Kid Hungry Campaign," says Russ Dokken, senior vice president, John Morrell Food Group foodservice. "We feel we can really make an impact through our foodservice business and help reach many more children in need." Now through October 2014, John Morrell Food Group and Smithfield Foods will donate at least $150,000 through events that will engage consumers such as Dine Out, No Kid Hungry Dinners and Taste of the Nation. Additionally, in select markets, customers can support the campaign at their local grocery store by making a donation at the register. "We are delighted Smithfield has joined us in our commitment to make No Kid Hungry a reality in America," says Bill Shore, founder and chief executive officer of Share Our Strength. "We are energized by their support and interest in introducing our mission to John Morrell retail and foodservice operations, and we look forward to working together to help ensure that children have the food they need to learn and grow." Since summer 2011, No Kid Hungry efforts have helped bring more than 34 million additional meals to kids who need them.