Smithfield Foods Supports Its Local Communities Through Educational Giving

Jan 31, 2018 9:00 AM ET

Smithfield Foods, Inc. has recently made several contributions to support the communities in which it operates and its employees live in order to further the education of future generations.

Butler Avenue Elementary School - Clinton, NC

Smithfield Foods contributed $7,400 to Butler Avenue Elementary School. The donation provides funds to supply second and third grade level students with Chromebooks for in-class use, which help advance students for grade-level requirements and beyond. 

“Smithfield’s donation opens a doorway to knowledge for our students,” said Robert Turlington, principal of Butler Avenue School. “The ability to place in the hands of a child a device that can open doors to infinite lessons, instruction, and assessments that can all be structured to meet the individual needs of each and every student is invaluable to a teacher. For the student, it provides them an opportunity to excel beyond expectations.”

Smithfield Foods’ support of Butler Avenue Elementary aligns with its commitment to contribute to the vitality of the communities where its employees live and work. Smithfield’s Clinton, North Carolina facility was established in 1950 and employs more than 1,800 local employees.

Nebraska Workforce Training Grant - Crete, NE

Smithfield Foods contributed $8,800 to the Nebraska Workforce Training Grant used by Crete Public Schools (CPS) Special Programs. The grant helps advance English and educational skills of participants to increase in-house career advancement and encourage GED attainment. In partnership with the Nebraska Department of Labor (NEDOL), the sponsor of the Nebraska Workforce Training Grant, the company’s donation matched NEDOL’s contribution for a total grant of $17,600 to benefit CPS Special Programs.

“Over the last seven years, Smithfield has helped to build pathways to success for participants,” said Diane Bruha, director of CPS Special Programs. “Programs that promote adult education and advancement are invaluable to our community and the members we mentor. Our goal is to open doors of opportunity for all and we are thankful to Smithfield and NEDOL who help to make this possible.”

Smithfield Foods’ support of this program aligns with its commitment to contribute to the vitality of the communities where its employees live and work. Smithfield’s Crete, Nebraska facility was established in 1975 and employs more than 2,200 local employees.

McCrossan Boy’s Ranch - Sioux Falls, SD

Smithfield Foods made a $1,500 donation to the McCrossan Boy’s Ranch, a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, non-profit organization specializing in the mentoring, counseling and teaching of boys and young men. Smithfield’s Sioux Falls facility has supported the organization for several years, and many ranch members have gone on to become employees at the local facility.

Smithfield Foods’ support of the McCrossan Boy’s Ranch aligns with its commitment to contribute to the vitality of the communities where its employees live and work. Smithfield’s Sioux Falls, South Dakota, facility was established in 1909 and employs more than 3,600 local employees.

For more information about Smithfield’s charitable efforts, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com/key-outreach-efforts/smithfield-foundation.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Nathan's Famous®, Farmland®, Armour®, Farmer John®, Kretschmar®, John Morrell®, Cook's®, Gwaltney®, Carando®, Margherita®, Curly's®, Healthy Ones®, Morliny®, Krakus® and Berlinki®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.