Eckrich® and Albertsons Team Up to Recognize Five Local Veterans at Dallas Mavericks Game

Smoked Sausage and Deli Meats Brand Surprises Local Heroes with $5,000 in Free Groceries


DALLAS, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Tuesday, Dec. 4, Eckrich® took the court at the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Portland Trail Blazers at American Airlines Center to surprise five former service members each with $1,000 in free groceries. This gift, presented in collaboration with grocery retailer Albertsons, is in recognition of the service and sacrifice of our nation’s military community.

During a break in game action, Eckrich hosted a special on-court presentation where the brand commemorated the veterans with the special gift while thanking them for their service.

The five honorees served in varying branches of the military and are local to the Dallas community. Jeff Perkins served in the United States Coast Guard for 20 years. Edward Wimble served in the United States Army for 11 years. Mike Miller served in the United States Navy for 28 years. Brian Smith served in the United States Army for six years. Phillip Nguyen served in the United States Army for eight years.

“Eckrich has a long-standing pledge to support our nation’s armed forces for their service to our country,” said Michael Baughman, director of marketing for Smithfield Foods. “It’s rewarding to see the overwhelming warmth and appreciation in the Mavericks stadium tonight as Eckrich and Albertsons joined together to give thanks to these former service members for their brave contributions.”

Eckrich, the makers of naturally hardwood smoked sausage and perfectly seasoned deli meats, is proud to continue its ongoing commitment to honor, thank, and support active service members, veterans, and their families across the country. For more information about Eckrich, please visit www.eckrich.com or follow Eckrich on Facebook and Twitter. Eckrich is a brand of Smithfield Foods.

About Eckrich
The makers of naturally hardwood smoked sausage and savory deli meats, Eckrich was founded by Peter Eckrich in 1894 and has grown from a small meat market in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to one of the most recognized regional premium deli and meat brands on the market today. 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. Eckrich 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®, Farmer John®, Kretschmar®, John Morrell®, Cook’s®, Gwaltney®, Carando®, Margherita®, Curly’s®, Healthy Ones®, Morliny®, Krakus®, 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, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Hunter PR for Eckrich
Caroline Greer
cgreer@hunterpr.com
(212) 679-6600

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/707b377a-19cd-4b65-abdc-18a98c55c969

 ECKRICH® AND ALBERTSONS TEAM UP TO RECOGNIZE FIVE LOCAL VETERANS AT DALLAS MAVERICKS GAME