Festival Foods and Smithfield Foods Join Forces to Combat Hunger in Wisconsin

In a collaborative effort to address food insecurity, Festival Foods has teamed up with Smithfield Foods to donate over 34,000 pounds of protein to local food organizations in Wisconsin. This generous contribution will be directed to Paul’s Pantry in Green Bay and the St. Joseph Food Program in Menasha.

The need for food assistance is particularly critical as we approach the holiday season, with many families facing heightened levels of food insecurity.

Smithfield’s Commitment to Community

“Giving back and taking care of the communities that we call home is a core part of who we are at Smithfield,” stated Jonathan Toms, senior community development manager at 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.”

Impact of the Donation

The donation includes a variety of protein-rich food items such as ham, bacon, and pork chops, which will provide more than 137,000 servings for those in need throughout 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.”

The Role of Local Food Pantries

Paul’s Pantry, a nonprofit organization established in 1984, serves low-income families in Northeast Wisconsin. Last year, the pantry distributed nearly five million pounds of food to over 5,400 registered families, relying heavily on private donations and volunteer support.

“We are so grateful to have the support of Smithfield and Festival Foods,” expressed Bob Hornacek, assistant executive director at Paul’s Pantry. “Our pantry is the busiest it has ever been in our 41-year history, but with the community’s generosity, we can continue to provide weekly groceries for families in need.”

Similarly, the St. Joseph Food Program has been an essential resource in combating food insecurity in the greater Fox Cities region for over 40 years. In 2024 alone, the program recorded over 33,000 client visits from 2,900 individual families.

“Our community has seen an alarming increase in the number of families seeking food support,” noted Scott Schefe, director of operations for St. Joseph Food Program. “Many are faced with difficult decisions between paying for housing, utilities, or groceries. This donation will enable us to provide wholesome, protein-packed meals that families truly need.”

Ongoing Efforts to Fight Hunger

Since 2004, Festival Foods has been active in the fight against hunger through initiatives like the Food for Neighbors and Paw Away Hunger programs, which have supported nearly 50 local food pantries and nonprofits. Customers can also contribute by purchasing $5 or $10 donation cards during checkout, helping to raise over $3.6 million to date.

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