KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Farmland Foods raised $20,000 to Harvesters — The Community Food Network, as part of the company’s initiative to raise awareness of hunger issues. Farmland presented its latest donation at the Kansas Speedway prior to the STP 400 on April 21.

The company already raised more than $60,000 in donations in Phoenix, Las Vegas and Fontana, Calif. as part of its partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports. Farmland plans to raise $100,000 for Harvester’s by the end of 2013.

“We’ve seen the difference our partnership has made with Harvesters, and wanted to do more this year in Kansas City and in other communities around the country,” said Mike Brown, president and CEO of Farmland Foods, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods. “We are excited that this donation will provide more than 100,160 meals to area families in need.”

Farmland also donated 43 cases of Farmland Oven Perfect in honor of Petty's No. 43 Ford. Oven Perfect is Farmland's new ready-to-cook pork tenderloin that is already marinated and seasoned.

“Farmland Foods is such a great community partner, and we are so grateful for their continued support,” said Karen Haren, president and CEO of Harvesters. “Foods high in protein are important for a healthy diet and the food pantries, kitchens and shelters in our network too often are not able to access this type of donation.”

In March, the company donated $20,000 and 43 cases of Oven Perfect products to St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix and to Three Square Food Bank in Las Vegas. Farmland donated $20,000 and 43 cases of Hickory Smoked Bacon to Second Harvest Food Bank serving Riverside and San Bernardino Counties in California.

“Our team understands how important fighting hunger is in communities across this country,” Petty said. “We are excited to kick off race weekend by helping present Farmland’s check and raising awareness about hunger issues.”