Festival Foods has partnered with Smithfield Foods to donate more than 34,000 pounds of protein to Paul’s Pantry in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and St. Joseph Food Program in Menasha, Wisconsin.
The donation will provide support to thousands facing food insecurity as the need intensifies during the holiday season.
“Giving back and taking care of the communities that we call home is a core part of who we are at Smithfield,” said Jonathan Toms, senior community development manager for Smithfield Foods. “By joining forces with Festival Foods, we’re investing in the strength and spirit of Wisconsin communities, one meal and one family at a time.”
Donated food items include ham, bacon and pork chops, which will provide more than 137,000 servings for those who need it in Wisconsin.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of partners like Smithfield,” said Carolynn Hietala, community involvement senior specialist for Festival Foods. “Food insecurity affects every community and through this donation of protein products, we are able to make a tangible impact at a time of critical need.”
Paul’s Pantry is a nonprofit food pantry serving low-income families in Northeast Wisconsin. Last year, the organization distributed nearly five million pounds of food to more than 5,400 registered families. Founded in 1984, the pantry was created to address hunger in the community for all needing assistance. It operates on private donations and volunteer support.
“We are so grateful to have the support of Smithfield and Festival Foods,” said Bob Hornacek, assistant executive director for Paul’s Pantry.
“Our pantry is the busiest it has ever been in our 41-year history. But thanks to the generosity of the community, we continue to meet the growing demand by offering weekly groceries for families in need. This donation will go a long way towards helping us to continue to keep families fed during the holidays and beyond.”
St. Joseph Food Program is a nonprofit committed to combating food insecurity in Wisconsin’s greater Fox City region for more than 40 years. In 2024, the program experienced more than 33,000 client visits from 2,900 individual families.
“Our community has seen a significant rise in the number of families and individuals seeking food support. Many are facing tough choices between paying rent, utilities or groceries. We are working hard to meet this demand, but resources are stretched thin as needs have increased,” said Scott Schefe, director of operations for St. Joseph Food Program.
“One of the most important aspects of food security is access to protein. Thanks to this donation, we can ensure that families receive not just food, but the kind of wholesome, protein-packed meals that truly sustain them.”
Since 2004, Festival Foods’ Food for Neighbors and Paw Away Hunger programs have helped fight hunger across Wisconsin by supporting almost 50 local food pantries and other local nonprofits. Shoppers can contribute by purchasing $5 or $10 donation cards at checkout. To date, the programs have raised more than $3.6 million.
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