Dedicated support for Ukraine, says Smithfield; Announces $2 million in aid

The deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Ukraine has become the focus of global Samaritans. Virginia-based food giant, Smithfield Foods Inc., is one of the companies joining relief efforts in Ukraine. The American food company announced a relief package totaling $2 million to aid Ukrainian citizens.

Smithfield’s donations include both cash and in-kind donations that will go towards the welfare of Ukrainian refugees as well as citizens still trapped in the country. In addition to the relief package, Smithfield will also contribute to and expand ongoing refugee relocation programmes in Europe.

The $2 million relief package will be divided between four non-profit disaster-relief organizations, who are currently involved in humanitarian operations. Each of the non-profits mentioned below will receive $250,000 towards their relief efforts.

• Global Red Cross Network

The non-profit is involved in immediate and long-term relief and recovery programmes in Ukraine and its neighbours, including temporary shelter, counseling, health services and supplies.

• Mercy Chefs

The disaster-relief partner of Smithfield in the States is providing shelf-stable food, water, baby formula and other essential supplies to Ukraine as well as refugees on the border.

• Save the Children

A global organization committed to delivering humanitarian aid to children and their families in Ukraine and the surrounding regions, including food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support and cash assistance

• World Central Kitchen (WCK)

The non-profit devoted to providing hot meals in the wake of disasters and crises has set up shop in southern Poland, Romania, Moldova and Hungary, providing hot meals to refugees who make it across the border. It also partners with restaurants inside Ukraine, serving hot meals to the needy.

Smithfield has operations in Central European countries that share border with Ukraine, including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. According to Smithfield, its overseas divisions are providing “dedicated support for Ukrainian team members and refugees in the region by securing transport, accommodations, employment and other types of care”.

Smithfield Europe is also donating to food banks and shelters in the region, totaling nearly $1 million in contributions.

Shane Smith, President and CEO of Smithfield, said that the company was humbled by the resilience and resolve of the Ukrainian people. He also mentioned that Smithfield’s Central Europe division is mobilizing to provide essential resources to the Ukrainians on the ground. “We are deeply proud of the decisive action our Smithfield Family has taken near the border and are committed to supporting and amplifying their good work,” he stated.

Executive VP of Smithfield Foods, European operations, Luis Cerdan, echoed similar thoughts, saying, “In the midst of the largest refugee crisis in Europe since WWII, we’re doing everything we can to help, starting with our Ukrainian team members. As the majority of refugees have fled to countries bordering Ukraine where our businesses are located, we feel a heightened responsibility at Smithfield Europe to provide holistic support during this tragic time.”

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