SMITHFIELD, Va., Nov. 08, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Smithfield Foods, Inc. announced a $25,000 donation to the American Red Cross of the Cape Fear of North Carolina to support Hurricane Matthew disaster relief efforts. The donation will provide assistance and resources to residents of eastern North Carolina who were affected by the catastrophic storm.
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“Hurricane Matthew brought devastating floodwater levels, unmatched obstacles and widespread destruction to our North Carolina community,” said Don Butler, director of corporate affairs for Smithfield Foods. “We are proud to support the American Red Cross, which will use this donation to provide resources and warm meals to our North Carolina neighbors as they continue to recover from this historic disaster.”
In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, the Red Cross of Eastern North Carolina has provided more than 33,000 overnight stays in shelters, served nearly 800,000 meals and snacks and distributed more than 13,000 clean-up kits to date.
“With Smithfield’s support, the Red Cross can continue to serve those affected by Hurricane Matthew,” said Vicki LaBelle, executive director of the Red Cross in the Cape Fear area. “Eastern North Carolina families rely on us in times of uncertainty and this donation will allow the Red Cross to continue to meet families’ needs.”
Smithfield’s donation to the Red Cross is part of its larger Hurricane Matthew disaster relief effort in North Carolina where more than 10,000 of its employees live and work. Since the storm, Smithfield has given $10,000 and more than 75,000 pounds of protein to Operation BBQ Relief, a non-profit organization that provides hot meals to those in need following a disaster. Operation BBQ Relief transformed Smithfield’s funds and products into more than 300,000 meals to nourish those in need.
For more information about Smithfield’s commitment to helping communities including its disaster relief efforts, visit smithfieldfoods.com/helpingcommunities.
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $14 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®, John Morrell®, Cook's®, Kretschmar®, Gwaltney®, Curly's®, Margherita®, Carando®, Healthy Ones®, Krakus®, Morliny®, 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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disaster; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.