When there is a crisis in a community, the ag industry steps up to help in anyway they can. While we may not be able to help rebuild Nashville physically, we can help rebuild their spirits with some good food. Smithfield Foods is donating 40,000 pounds of protein to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee as part of ongoing recovery efforts in Nashville and surrounding counties in the wake of Tuesday morning’s devastating tornadoes. The donation, equivalent to more than 160,000 servings, is part of Smithfield’s signature hunger-relief initiative, Helping Hungry Homes.
“We are very grateful for Smithfield’s support during this time of need,” said Nancy Keil, president & CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. “Securing protein following this disaster is extremely important, and their contribution will go a long way to help feed our community as we recover.”
Smithfield’s donation will allow the food bank and response organizations to support both the region’s immediate and future needs. The tornadoes left more than 45 buildings collapsed and killed at least 24 people, with more than 20 hospitalized following the storms. It is estimated that more than 44,000 people were without power after the disaster.
“Our hearts go out to those who were impacted, and we are immensely grateful for the first responders who are working tirelessly to keep people safe,” said Jonathan Toms, charitable initiatives manager at Smithfield Foods. “Recovering from devastation of this magnitude requires an ongoing collective effort, and we’re proud to provide resources to our neighbors in need.”
For information about how to join the relief efforts, visit this website. This is just one of the many efforts to help those affected by the tornadoes.
