Smithfield Foods Inc. announces its donation of scholarship awards for the National Conservation Foundation’s 2018 International Envirothon Competition where 250 high school students compete in teams to demonstrate their environmental knowledge and problem-solving skills.

The 2018 NCF Envirothon is the final round of an environmental education program and competition that attracts more than 50,000 high school students across the United States, Canada and China annually. In teams, students competed in hands-on and in-class activities to demonstrate knowledge of soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife and current environmental issues during regional and statewide competitions leading into the national event. The winning teams progressed to the 2018 NCF Envirothon Competition, which took place July 22-28 in Pocatello, Idaho. Smithfield Foods awarded scholarships to the top three teams, totaling $30,000, during the competition’s awards presentation ceremony on July 27.

“The National Conservation Foundation applauds every student who participated in this year’s competition. Participants brought innovative and progressive research to advance sustainability efforts, which is a collective win for the environment,” says Tim Reich, vice chair of the NCF Board of Trustees. “We are so proud of all of the students’ dedication to better preserving our natural resources through their environmental efforts and are thankful for the support we have received from Smithfield to be able to recognize and honor these students.”

In addition to financial support for scholarships, Smithfield employees donated their time and expertise to the program. During the regional, statewide and national competitions, Smithfield employees served as volunteer advisers to lead training sessions, facilitate program curriculum and coordinate activities.

“Smithfield Foods is honored to support Envirothon for the fourth year in a row, and to once again provide scholarships to the top three teams from this year’s competition,” says Stewart Leeth, vice president of regulatory affairs and chief sustainability officer for Smithfield Foods. “The students involved with this program consistently impress us, and we are confident that their future accomplishments will play a meaningful role in creating a more sustainable tomorrow.”

Smithfield’s sustainability program is focused on five pillars: Animal Care, Environment, Food Safety and Quality, Helping Communities, and People. The company actively supports NCF and its efforts to advance environmental education, aligning with both Smithfield’s environmental initiatives and its commitment to support the vitality of local communities through education.

For more information about Smithfield’s sustainability program, recent achievements and environmental programs, visit Smithfield’s most recent Sustainability Report available by clicking here.

Source: Smithfield Foods