Founded in 1894, Eckrich will celebrate its 120th anniversary this weekend in line with the promise on which the brand was built; quality and service. Over the past 120 years, Eckrich has grown as a leader in its industry on the promise of providing quality meat products and giving back to its communities. Eckrich will honor that promise this weekend as it honors and gives back to 120 of America's military families.

Eckrich will showcase the names of the 120 military families on the No. 43 Eckrich car which will compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race this weekend at the Chicagoland Speedway. Eckrich will also host the families at the event and provide each family with a $120 gift card at Jewel-Osco. The car design, race day experience and gift cards align with the deep history of the company to give back to consumers and pay tribute to those who trust the brand.

This gratitude towards our military families is part of the continued Eckrich "Operation Inspiration" campaign, which supports and honors military families. Eckrich is in its third year of partnership with Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit which provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors. Eckrich has already raised more than $750,000 in donations for the nonprofit organization.

"We are proud to celebrate the 120^th anniversary of the Eckrich brand by honoring 120 military families," said Chuck Gitkin, vice president, marketing, innovation and R&D for the John Morrell Food Group. "The Eckrich 'Operation Inspiration' campaign has allowed us to thank America's military families in keeping with the brand's rich history of giving back to the community. It is our intent for Eckrich to continue to stand for quality, service, and family for another 120 years to come."

Eckrich, part of the John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, Inc. has a rich heritage starting from a small meat market in Fort Wayne, Ind. Through it all, Eckrich meats have been recognized for their great taste and supreme quality, craftsmanship, care and pride. For more information, visit www.eckrich.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EckrichMeats.

Source: Eckrich