Smithfield Foods, in collaboration with Kroger, distributed 1,000 free holiday hams and grocery bags filled with side dishes as part of its Season of Serving food distribution event, providing a complete meal to neighbors facing hunger in Southeastern Virginia.

“The Tidewater region of Virginia has been our home for nearly 90 years, and we are deeply committed to supporting our neighbors,” said Shane Smith, president and CEO of Smithfield Foods. “Through our partnership with Kroger, we can help make the holiday season brighter for many local families and individuals who are facing food insecurity in our community.”

Smithfield collaborated with the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore to encourage individuals and families in need to pick up a free holiday meal.

“At Kroger, we believe it is our responsibility to address food insecurity and advance initiatives aimed at achieving zero hunger and zero waste in our communities,” said James Menees, head of communications and public affairs for Kroger. “We are grateful to partner with Smithfield and together make a difference this holiday season.”

“Holiday expenses can increase the challenges faced by families experiencing food insecurity,” said Bob Latvis, president and CEO for the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. “No one on the Peninsula should have to choose between essential needs and a meal. Support from partners like Smithfield, and special distributions like this one, strengthen our collective ability to ensure every family has access to the food they need to celebrate together.”

“Families are feeling the strain of the season, and this support arrives at a meaningful time,” said Christopher Tan, president and CEO for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. “We’re grateful to Smithfield Foods and Kroger for helping ensure more households can sit down for a holiday meal. Their commitment strengthens our shared effort to provide reliable access to food for neighbors across our community.”

Smithfield's hunger relief program, Helping Hungry Homes^®, has provided hundreds of millions of servings of protein in all 50 U.S. states since 2008. Smithfield donated more than 25 million servings of protein, valued at nearly $28 million, to food banks, disaster relief efforts and community outreach programs across the US in 2024. 

Source: Smithfield Foods