Smithfield Foods donates $75,000 to The Faison Center

Published September 18, 2019 by Richard Foster

Smithfield Foods Inc. announced on Wednesday that it has donated $75,000 to fund the Smithfield Foods Outdoor Learning Center Overlook at The Faison Center's Richmond campus. Unveiled at the event, the new outdoor learning center will allow the center's students to enjoy learning activities outside the classroom. 

With campuses in Richmond and Newport News, The Faison Center is a nonprofit educational and treatment center serving children and adults with autism.

“Our mission at The Faison Center is to give children and adults with autism and other related learning challenges the best opportunity to live rich and fulfilling lives. This outdoor overlook is a wonderful addition to our commitment to improve the lives of the individuals we serve,” said Brian McCann, president and CEO of The Faison Center, in a statement. “We are so pleased by the gracious support Smithfield has given us throughout the years, and we are grateful for their generous contribution to expand our program offerings.”

The new outdoor center supports Faison's holistic approach to enriching the lives of its students by helping them connect with nature.

“Smithfield Foods is based here in Virginia and we have always believed in the importance of strengthening the communities where our employees live and work in unique ways,” said Stewart Leeth, vice president of regulatory affairs and chief sustainability officer for Smithfield Foods. “As a company committed to environmental stewardship, we’re honored to help The Faison Center expand its services by establishing a designated outdoor space where students can come together to enjoy nature and learn more about our environment.”

Smithfield Foods is the world's largest pork processor and hog producer.

Photo courtesy Smithfield Foods Inc.