Smithfield, Richard Petty Motorsports, And Charlotte Motor Speedway To Donate More Than 3 Million Hot Dogs As Part Of "helping Hungry Homes" Tour

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- During the race week in Charlotte, N.C., Smithfield, in partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports and the Charlotte Motor Speedway, will donate and deliver more than 3 million hot dogs to food banks in Charlotte and around the country. Donation locations will coincide with Speedway Motorsports, Inc.-owned tracks, including the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and Texas Motor Speedway, and one truckload will be going to Oklahoma to aid in disaster relief. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130524/NY20554 )

This significant donation is part of Smithfield's Helping Hungry Homes program, the company's coast-to-coast effort to alleviate hunger and raise the awareness of food insecurity. In addition to this donation, Smithfield is also participating in the Patriot Partners program at the Charlotte Motor Speedway to help welcome home thousands of U.S. Armed Forces during race week.

Smithfield will announce the donation at a press conference on Friday, May 24, during the 6:00am hour in Victory Lane at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, located at 5555 Concord Pkwy South, Concord, NC.

"The No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports team is honored to participate in this donation with our sponsor, Smithfield, and our home track, the Charlotte Motor Speedway," said No. 43 team owner Richard Petty. "So many race fans are loyal customers of Smithfield, so it's great to see them giving back to communities that support them, and our race team, throughout the year."

"We at Charlotte Motor Speedway are proud to join such dedicated partners as Richard Petty Motorsports and Smithfield to pool our resources and help families in need," said Marcus Smith, President and General Manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. "This donation represents thousands of meals that will be served to hungry families across the country, and is a great example of how the NASCAR family works together to help others during difficult times."

"Smithfield has made more than 155 donations across the country under the company's Helping Hungry Homes program. Through this campaign, we have provided more than 25.4 million servings to food banks that serve their communities through local and emergency food pantries, low-income daycare centers and disaster-relief agencies," said Dennis Pittman, Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs for Smithfield. "If we laid these hot dogs end to end, they would make more than 150 laps around the Charlotte Motor Speedway. We're proud to make this substantial donation in conjunction with our racing program to celebrate Memorial Day, honor our troops, and kick off the summer grilling season."

Smithfield Foods and its independent operating companies have a long history of stocking food banks, supporting after-school nutrition programs and providing food relief in the wake of natural disasters. In January 2008, Smithfield established its Helping Hungry Homes® initiatives to help ensure that American families in need do not go hungry.  

About Charlotte Motor Speedway
For more than 50 years, Charlotte Motor Speedway has set the standard for motorsports entertainment for fans of all ages as the only race vacation destination where fans can immerse themselves in the heart of NASCAR country. Visitors can attend one-of-a-kind race spectacles such as the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, the Coca-Cola 600 and the Bank of America 500; take behind-the-scenes speedway and race shop tours; explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame; and drive an 800-horsepower stock car.

Through every event and every decade, Charlotte Motor Speedway puts FANS FIRST with a never-ending commitment to enhance the fan experience. That tradition continues with unmatched value through affordable season tickets, the debut of the world's largest high-definition television screen and more opportunities for you to see your favorite drivers. Make memories with us at The Greatest Place to See the Race!

About Richard Petty Motorsports
Richard Petty Motorsports (www.richardpettymotorsports.com), co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty, Andrew Murstein and Douglas Bergeron, fields two teams in competition in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Aric Almirola pilots the famous No. 43 Ford Fusion with primary partners Smithfield Foods, U.S. Air Force and STP and Marcos Ambrose drives the No. 9 machine with primary partners Stanley and DEWALT. In addition, Michael Annett wheels the No. 43 Pilot Flying J Ford Mustang full time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The team is headquartered in Concord, N.C.

About Smithfield Packing 
The Smithfield Packing Company, Inc., is a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, Inc. Founded in 1936 by Joseph W. Luter and his son, Joseph W. Luter, Jr., primary lines of business include fresh pork, smoked meats, bacon, cooked hams and hot dogs for retail, foodservice, and deli channels. The company exports products to approximately 30 countries. In addition to the Smithfield brand, the company's Gwaltney, Esskay, and Cumberland Gap products are among the leaders in their respective markets. For more information, visit: www.Smithfield.com and www.Facebook.com/CookingWithSmithfield. 

SOURCE Smithfield