As an industry leader and top supplier to the retail export food service and deli channels, Smithfield Foods works closely with communities and businesses to maintain strong partnerships with many top retailers and food service distributors who help bring communities together in times of need. Through its primary company themes of progress and innovation through maintaining responsible operations, Smithfield Foods strives to continue to improve food security and eliminate hunger through its donations of millions of pounds of high-quality nutritious protein each year.
Joseph W. Luter III became the third generation of his family to lead Smithfield, following his father, former CEO, and his grandfather, founder of the Smithfield Packing Company in 1936. Becoming president of Smithfield foods at age 26, Joseph W. Luter III worked hard over the course of three decades, culminating in 1999 when Luter announced Smithfield had become the largest pork producer in the world.
Another example of recognizable leadership is Shane Smith, current Smithfield Foods president and CEO, who specializes in leading the company’s mission and vision through strategic planning and direction across operations in Mexico, Europe and the United States, providing thousands of job opportunities around the world. Having earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Mount Olive, and his master’s degree from The College of William & Mary, Smith quickly climbed the leadership ladder at Smithfield Foods through the embodiment of its company mission: “Producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet.”
Committed to fighting hunger and food insecurity, Smithfield Foods continues to prosper and serve local communities by providing educational resources, millions of dollars in scholarships, thousands of jobs, as well as safe, wholesome products to millions of families. With exceptional effort toward leadership in the importance of managing hunger relief programs through community engagement, Jonathan Toms, senior community development manager, primarily focuses on maintaining various hunger relief programs, such as ‘Helping Hungry Homes’ food donation efforts that provide essential food and resources to those in need. “In 2008, we created this initiative to fight hunger and raise awareness of food insecurity. Since then, we’ve donated nearly 300 million servings of protein to food banks, disaster relief efforts and community outreach programs in all 50 states across the country,” says Toms.
Toms also focuses on volunteerism, managing grant partnerships, supporting corporate education programs to help fund scholarships for Smithfield families, as well as helping with efforts to support and encourage diversity, equity and inclusion by creating pipelines of opportunities for careers in the industry.
“I feel I have a real privilege in the type of work I do. From community relationship development to conversations with community and internal stakeholders to developing programs and partnerships with local businesses, these opportunities allow me to grow in my ability to have a positive impact on local communities on the Virginia Peninsula,” Toms says.
With a trustworthy reputation for providing excellent, nutritious products made from simple ingredients, millions of families continue to support Smithfield Foods through their purchase of a variety of healthy brands at reasonable prices. From favorite family recipes to product promotions and availability, Smithfield produces safe and affordable food from favorite lunch meats to sizzling bacon, sausage, ham and so much more. In addition to millions of families being fed Smithfield products found at grocery stores, products can also be purchased through many major retailers, food service providers and restaurants across the globe.
Ingrained in the company culture, each Smithfield employee demonstrates the production of good food through safe food practices and quality inspections from farms to corporate offices. Being relationship oriented, Toms strives to make a difference and an impact in his community. He serves on many local boards, engaging with community members. He is currently president of the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank.
“Living and creating my life in Hampton Roads alongside my wife, Kaitie, has made me incredibly passionate about the Peninsula, so having the opportunity to be involved in the support of local organizations, businesses and fundraisers is very important to me,” Toms says.
By fighting food insecurity, advancing education through millions of dollars in scholarships, and supporting the vitality of Smithfield families and Peninsula communities, Smithfield foods not only helps to combat hunger with a growing population of now 8 billion people, but also provides strength, guidance and leadership, allowing communities to blossom and lives to flourish.
TO THE POINT:
Smithfield Foods
Address: 200 Commerce St., Smithfield, VA 23430
Contact: Jonathan Toms, senior community development manager
Phone: 757-365-3000
