In recognition of completing the third year of its On Our Way to Ending Hunger program, Hormel Foods Corp. announced that donations to hunger relief organizations throughout the United States and abroad totaled more than $6.5 million during fiscal year 2013.

The On Our Way to Ending Hunger program focuses on collaboration with retailers, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to address hunger relief, nourishing the hungry both domestically and internationally, as well as motivating individuals and corporate partners to take action against hunger.

“On Our Way to Ending Hunger is how our company is helping to address the very real issue of hunger in this country,” said Julie H. Craven, vice president of corporate communications at Hormel Foods. “Through our plant community donations program, employees are able to make a real impact where they work and live, aiding local hunger relief organizations and strengthening their communities. Additionally, through Project Spammy, we have the opportunity to make an impact outside of our own communities.”

Throughout fiscal year 2013, Hormel Foods donated more than $220,000 to local hunger relief organizations in more than 20 communities where it has U.S. manufacturing facilities. Each plant identifies the organization(s) within its community to support.

Addressing disaster relief needs last May, Hormel Foods donated 165,000 Hormel Compleats microwave meals to Feeding America in support of tornado relief efforts in Oklahoma. Additionally, the company donated 3,456 cans of Hormel chili with beans, Stagg chili and Hormel Mary Kitchen roast beef hash to the Hawaii Foodbank through the American Institute of Architects Honolulu eighth annual Canstruction competition.

Last year marked the fifth year of production for Spammy, a shelf-stable poultry product fortified with vitamins and minerals, to help prevent malnutrition in children in Guatemala. The country has one of the highest poverty rates in Latin America, and working with its international partner, Food for the Poor, Hormel Foods shipped 2.4 million cans of Spammy product for individuals in need. Hormel Foods employees also participated in three trips to Guatemala, engaging first hand in Project Spammy.

Hormel Foods also continued its important relationship with Hunger-Free Minnesota in 2013. Hunger-Free Minnesota is a statewide coalition of community and corporate organizations aimed at closing the “missing meals” gap in Minnesota.

Source: Hormel Foods Corp.