SMITHFIELD, VA. – Smithfield Foods Inc. announced it would provide cash and in-kind donations of $2 million to the crisis relief efforts that are helping Ukrainian citizens and people seeking refuge in surrounding areas. 

The company also said it would expand ongoing refugee relocation and aid assistance underway through its operations in Central Europe with $250,000 in donations to the Global Red Cross Network, Mercy Chefs, Save the Children and the World Central Kitchen.  

“Like the rest of the world, we are humbled and moved by the resilience of the Ukrainian people,” said Shane Smith, president and chief executive officer for Smithfield Foods. “Over the last few weeks, our team members in Central Europe have mobilized to provide desperately needed resources and other aid to the citizens of Ukraine 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.”

Smithfield operates in seven countries worldwide, including the United States, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and Mexico. 

The company said Smithfield Europe – including Smithfield Polska (Animex and Agri Plus), Smithfield Romania, Smithfield UK and Mecom in Slovakia and Hungary – have provided dedicated support for Ukrainian team members and refugees in the region by securing transport, accommodations, employment and other types of care since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in late February.

Smithfield Europe also donated shelf-stable and other protein to food banks and temporary shelters in the region. The company said the ongoing aid efforts are approximately $1 million in in-kind contributions. 

“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,” said Luis Cerdan, executive vice president of European operations for Smithfield Foods. “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.”