CRETE, NE — One of the biggest food processing companies in the country is helping out a southeast Nebraska TeamMates mentoring program.

Smithfield Foods donated $50,000 to TeamMates of Crete last week at Crete High School. The mentorship program serves middle and high school students. Community volunteer mentors meet weekly with students in the program to offer guidance and encouragement.

Smithfield has donated to the TeamMates Crete chapter for 11 years and was recently named its 2021 Community Partner of the Year.

“We are grateful for longtime partners like Smithfield whose comprehensive support enables us to fulfill our mission locally to inspire youth to reach their full potential,” said Zoe White, program coordinator for TeamMates Mentoring Program, Crete chapter.  

Smithfield operates a meatpacking plant and distribution center three miles south of Crete. That facility employs about 2,000 people.