SMITHFIELD, Va., Nov. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Smithfield, in partnership with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union, will be donating a total of more than one million servings of protein to food banks in the Northeast tri-state area affected by Hurricane Sandy.

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As part of the Smithfield and UFCW Feeding the Hungry initiative, seven Smithfield trucks, each carrying more than 40,000 pounds of protein, will depart for seven food banks located in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. With the help of Feeding America, a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks and food-rescue organizations, those food banks in the storm-affected area with the highest need will receive the shipments. The donation will mostly consist of ready-to-eat protein, including hot dogs and lunchmeats.

"Smithfield, in partnership with the UFCW, originally kicked off the Feeding the Hungry initiative in New York City in 2009 with a donation of seven truckloads of protein, and we are returning to the region during this time of great need with seven more," said Dennis Pittman, Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs for Smithfield. "In addition, I am proud to announce that we will bring another seven truckloads to the area in December for the holidays. As a food company, we understand the benefits of having access to proper sustenance on a regular basis and make it a priority to bring much-needed nutrition to our neighbors in need."

"Our union represents meat packing, food processing and grocery workers across the country; and I often say that UFCW members are proud to put the food on America's table. This is the third year of our Feeding the Hungry tour, and together we have put more than 17 million servings on the tables of those who need it most," said Joe Hansen, International President, UFCW Union. "All across the country, UFCW members are on the front lines of efforts to improve and strengthen their communities, and this major donation in the wake of Hurricane Sandy reflects their unwavering commitment to protect and advocate for families during tough times."

"Feeding America is extremely grateful to Smithfield and the UFCW for this generous donation of lunch meat, hot dogs and hams, which is urgently needed by our member food banks on the East Coast that are providing emergency meals to thousands of people who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy," said Matt Knott, interim president and CEO of Feeding America.

Smithfield Foods and its independent operating companies have a long history of stocking food banks, supporting after-school nutrition programs and providing food relief in the wake of natural disasters. In January 2008, Smithfield established their Helping Hungry Homes® initiatives to help ensure that American families in need do not go hungry. Feeding the Hungry is one of Smithfield's Helping Hungry Homes® initiatives.

Earlier this week, Smithfield made major protein donations in Norfolk, VA and Newport News, VA through the Helping Hungry Homes program to help aid the company's local community.

About the United Food and Commercial Workers Union

The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) represents more than 1.3 million workers, primarily in the retail and meatpacking, food processing and poultry industries. The UFCW protects the rights of workers and strengthens America's middle class by fighting for health care reform, immigration reform, living wages, retirement security, safe working conditions and the right to unionize so that working men and women and their families can realize the American Dream. For more information about the UFCW's effort to protect workers' rights and strengthen America's middle class, visit www.ufcw.org

About Smithfield Packing www.smithfield.com and facebook.com/CookingwithSmithfield

The Smithfield Packing Company, Inc., was founded in 1936 by Joseph W. Luter and his son, Joseph W. Luter, Jr. Primary lines of business include fresh pork, smoked meats, bacon, cooked hams and hot dogs for retail, foodservice, and deli channels. The company exports products to approximately 30 countries. In addition to the Smithfield brand, its Gwaltney, Esskay, and Cumberland Gap products are among the leaders in their respective markets.

SOURCE Smithfield