Pork producer Smithfield Foods, alongside the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, donated 62,000 pounds of protein to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank near Charlottesville, Va., and Feeding Southwest Virginia near Blacksburg, Va., to support individuals facing food insecurity.

“Five years ago, we set out to make the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash about more than one of the nation’s longest-standing rivalries,” said Jonathan Toms, senior community development manager for Smithfield Foods. “Today, we’re humbled to see how this 125-year matchup has grown into a tradition that brings fans together to support their local communities.”

Dave Kraft, chief operating officer, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank; John Freeman, director of broadcasting, University of Virginia; Cavalier, mascot, University of Virginia; and Jonathan Toms, senior community development manager, Smithfield Foods, celebrate a tradition that unites fans and supports neighbors in the greater Charlottesville, Va., community. Photo courtesy of Smithfield Foods

The 2025-2026 Commonwealth Clash kicks off with a football game on Nov. 29, 2025, in Charlottesville, Va., and spans 22 sports throughout the academic year. Fans from both universities will participate in food drives, donating thousands of pounds of nonperishable items to help end hunger.

The Blue Ridge Food Bank is the largest hunger relief organization in Western and Central Virginia, providing food to more than 170,000 people each month through a network of community partners across 25 counties and eight cities.

“Each day, thousands of families and students across Central and Western Virginia depend on the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank for access to nutritious meals,” said Kari Diener, CEO for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. “The Commonwealth Clash shows how a historic rivalry can be transformed into a powerful force for good when communities unite around a common cause. We are profoundly grateful to Smithfield for helping us deliver protein to neighbors who need it most.”

Feeding Southwest Virginia, a hunger relief organization serving 26 counties and nine cities, distributes more than 21 million pounds of food annually through a network of 400 partner programs.

"Our Food Bank seeks to not only feed our neighbors, but nourish them," said Pamela Irvine, CEO and president for Feeding Southwest Virginia. "Protein is a crucial nutrient that every neighbor across Virginia deserves to enjoy. Thanks to this partnership with Smithfield Commonwealth Clash, we can distribute a nourishing source of protein to the many thousands of children, seniors and families who face hunger in our region. We are so grateful to Smithfield for helping our Food Bank distribute hope and nourishment to our neighbors this holiday season.”

Smithfield has donated 350,000 pounds of protein since the program’s inception in 2021. These donations are part of Smithfield’s long-standing commitment to reducing hunger and strengthening the communities where its employees live, work and raise their families.  

Source: Smithfield Foods