Smithfield Rolls Out 2018 Smokin’ With Smithfield Grant Program

SMITHFIELD, Va., Sept. 12, 2017 -- Smithfield is pleased to announce the return of the Smokin’ With Smithfield Barbecue Grant Program for the 2018 season. The Grant Program is designed to support sanctioned barbecue competitions across the United States. Grants will be awarded to a variety of non-profit, community, and event organizers that are sanctioned by one of the sport’s major sanctioning bodies and meet qualifications established by Smithfield. In 2017, Smithfield gave grants and marketing support to 35 barbecue competitions across the United States. In 2018, Smithfield will increase the number of grants awarded by 57%, awarding 55 Smithfield Grants to events across the country.

The Smithfield Grant Program is just one of the many ways Smithfield is investing in the sport of BBQ. Smithfield continues to invest heavily via partnerships with World Champion Pitmasters, sponsorship of major competitions, the Smokin’ With Smithfield Committed Cooks Program, and the Smithfield Grant Program.

Smokin’ With Smithfield Grants range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $4,500.  With the goal of deepening the prize pool, and thus, helping event organizers attract more pitmaster competitors, the funds enable prize payouts to the Top 10 pitmasters in each category and the Top 10 pitmasters overall. Applications are currently being accepted for any sanctioned barbecue competition occurring in 2018. The deadline for application is October 25, 2017. For more information and to apply, please visit www.SmokinWithSmithfield.com

About Smithfield
A leading provider of high-quality pork products, Smithfield was founded in 1936 in Smithfield, Virginia. From hand-trimmed ribs, loins and bacon and slow-smoked holiday hams to marinated tenderloins, Smithfield brings artistry, authenticity and a commitment to heritage, flavor, and handcrafted excellence to everything it produces. With a vast product portfolio including smoked meats, hams, bacon, sausage, ribs, and a wide variety of fresh pork cuts, the company services retail, foodservice, and deli channels across the United States and 30 countries abroad. All of Smithfield's products meet the highest quality and safety standards in the industry. To learn more about how Flavor Hails from Smithfield, please visit www.Smithfield.com, www.Twitter.com/SmithfieldBrand, and www.Facebook.com/CookingWithSmithfield. Smithfield is a brand of Smithfield Foods.

About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $15 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®, Nathan's Famous®, Farmland®, Armour®, John Morrell®, Cook's®, Kretschmar®, Gwaltney®, Curly's®, Margherita®, Carando®, Healthy Ones®, Krakus®, Morliny®, and Berlinki®. 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.

Media Contact:
Green Olive Media for Smithfield
Celia Strong
(404) 815-9327
[email protected]