We love when organizations come together for the greater good. A great example of that happened last week when Smithfield Foods, the Utah Pork Producers Association (UPPA), and the Fredette Family Foundation delivered a nearly 40,000-pound truckload of protein to Utah Food Bank, fulfilling their joint-pledge to donate for every point scored during the 2020-2021 football season by Brigham Young University and Utah State University.
The donation marks the second consecutive year of the college football-themed partnership between Smithfield, UPPA, Fredette Family Foundation and the local universities to support Utah Food Bank’s mission to fight hunger statewide.
“One in five children in Utah face food insecurity,” said Ginette Bott, president and CEO of Utah Food Bank. “We are incredibly grateful that this program generates nutritious protein donations to help us feed families facing hunger while driving awareness of the significant need that exists in our communities.”
“UPPA is proud to partner with Smithfield to provide nourishing protein to our neighbors, and we are deeply appreciative of the work Utah Food Bank does every day to support Utahns in need,” said Jim Webb, president of the Utah Pork Producers Association.
“Food, football and good causes bring people together,” said Jonathan Toms, charitable initiatives manager for Smithfield Foods. “This program combines all three in a way that supports our communities. Thanks to our partners for sharing our commitment to alleviating hunger, and congratulations to the Cougars and the Aggies for persevering through a uniquely challenging season.”
The Utah college football partnership is part of Smithfield’s signature hunger-relief initiative, Helping Hungry Homes, which partners with Feeding America and its network of food banks across the U.S. to alleviate hunger year-round. The program has donated more than 212 million servings of protein to food banks, disaster relief efforts and community outreach programs in all 50 states since 2008.
