Platinum-selling country music artist Randy Houser joined Eckrich and John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, on Aug. 7 at their Sioux Falls, S.D., facility  to donate 12,350 pounds of protein to Feeding South Dakota, a division of Feeding America.  The donation will help provide 14,000 meals to families in need. 

The donation will support local neighborhoods and provide for those in need. The donation was made as part of a "Block Party" for employees at the plant.  Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether and representatives from Feeding South Dakota and John Morrell Food Group were on hand to make the donation.  Houser then entertained the employees in attendance by performing select hit songs.

"It's great to see a partner of mine give back to their local community," said Houser. "It's an honor to take some time and help the people of Sioux Falls.  This is a tight-knit community and the people at Eckrich and John Morrell Food Group want to ensure it's an area that continues to thrive.  I am happy to be a part of today's event."

The food will aid those who live throughout South Dakota and specifically those in Sioux Falls. 

"Agriculture is the foundation of economic vitality for Sioux Falls, and John Morrell and Company has led the way in that effort. Stewardship is also a huge part of the John Morrell story and this wonderful donation of critical protein takes their care and concern of South Dakotans to an all new level," says Mayor Mike Huether.

"Sioux Falls is not just a city where John Morrell Food Group employees work, but a city where they live, their children go to school and where they are active in the community," added Ken Baptist, Vice President and General Manager.  "We want to ensure that we not only give back to the community, but make it stronger and help those in need of aid.  We are grateful for Feeding South Dakota, Randy (Houser) and Mayor Huether in helping us make that happen today."