Randy Houser Helps Eckrich and John Morrell Food Group Give Back to Community

LISLE, Ill., Aug. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Platinum-selling country music artist Randy Houser joined Eckrich and John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, today at their Sioux Falls, S.D., facility  to donate 12,350 pounds of protein to Feeding South Dakota, a division of Feeding America.  The donation will help provide 14,000 meals to families in need. 

The donation will support local neighborhoods and provide for those in need. The donation was made as part of a "Block Party" for employees at the plant.  Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether and representatives from Feeding South Dakota and John Morrell Food Group were on hand to make the donation.  Houser then entertained the employees in attendance by performing select hit songs.

"It's great to see a partner of mine give back to their local community," said Houser. "It's an honor to take some time and help the people of Sioux Falls.  This is a tight-knit community and the people at Eckrich and John Morrell Food Group want to ensure it's an area that continues to thrive.  I am happy to be a part of today's event."

The food will aid those who live throughout South Dakota and specifically those in Sioux Falls. 

"Agriculture is the foundation of economic vitality for Sioux Falls, and John Morrell and Company has led the way in that effort. Stewardship is also a huge part of the John Morrell story and this wonderful donation of critical protein takes their care and concern of South Dakotans to an all new level," says Mayor Mike Huether.

"Sioux Falls is not just a city where John Morrell Food Group employees work, but a city where they live, their children go to school and where they are active in the community," added Ken Baptist, Vice President and General Manager.  "We want to ensure that we not only give back to the community, but make it stronger and help those in need of aid.  We are grateful for Feeding South Dakota, Randy (Houser) and Mayor Huether in helping us make that happen today."

For more information about John Morrell Food Group, Eckrich and its partnership with Randy Houser, please visit www.facebook.com/EckrichMeats.

About John Morrell Food Group
With over a century and a half of experience, John Morrell Food Group brands have become respected and well known for providing premium-quality meat products to families across the United States. With products ranging from lunchmeat and franks to smoked sausage, bacon and pepperoni, the John Morrell Food Group is an important part of consumers' mealtimes. The John Morrell Food Group offers several national and regional brands including Armour^®, Eckrich^®, John Morrell^®, Curly's^®, Patrick Cudahy^®, Carando^®, Healthy Ones^®, Margherita^® Kretschmar^® and LunchMakers^®.

About Eckrich
Founded by Peter Eckrich in 1894, Eckrich has a rich heritage starting from a small meat market in Fort Wayne, Ind. Through it all, Eckrich meats have been recognized for their great taste and supreme quality, craftsmanship, care and pride. For more information, visit www.eckrich.com.

About Randy Houser
Randy Houser took country fans and industry insiders by storm with the 2013 release of How Country Feels. Scoring three consecutive No. 1 hits with the title track, "Runnin' Outta Moonlight" and "Goodnight Kiss," Houser also earned the American Country Award for Most Played Radio Track: Male ("How Country Feels"). His new single "Like A Cowboy" is impacting radio now, and Houser can be seen at headlining dates and on Brad Paisley's Country Nation World Tour.

About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $14 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook's®, Gwaltney®, John Morrell®, Kretschmar®, Curly's®, Carando®, Margherita®, and Healthy Ones®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental, and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and www.smithfieldcommitments.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140807/134621 

SOURCE John Morrell Food Group