Austin-based Hormel Foods to send Spam, other relief to Maui
Community has long history with the canned meat product
Austin, Minn.,-based Hormel Foods Corporation is sending Spam as well as other aid to Maui, which is struggling to recover from devastating wildfires.
The company announced Thursday that three truckloads of the canned pork product are on the way with two more trucks following, totaling more than 264,000 cans. The company is working with Convoy of Hope, a faith-based nonprofit that aids communities affected by natural disasters.
The Hormel brand says it has donated cash and products with a retail value of more than $1 million to directly help people affected by the wildfires. The company says it is donating proceeds from sales of a Spam-themed t-shirt to Aloha United Way’s Maui Fire Relief Fund.
Hormel team members are also raising money to donate to the local area food bank with a match from their employer.
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“We are so grateful for our partners like Convoy of Hope and local Hawaii retailers who are helping us get more product to people in need as quickly as possible,” said Jennesa Kinscher, senior brand manager. “The people of Hawaii have a special place in both the history and heart of the Spam brand. Our donation efforts are just one way we are showing the community our love and support back.”
The wildfires left a trail of destruction in parts of Maui in Hawaii last week and destroyed the town of Lahaina. At least 111 people were killed, making it the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.
Spam has a long history in Hawaii dating back to World War II when the luncheon meat was served to GIs. It remains popular.
Convoy of Hope is helping local partners distribute relief supplies.
“This donation allows Convoy of Hope to deliver comfort to people whose lives have been turned upside down,” said Stacy Lamb, vice president, disaster services at Convoy of Hope. “The fact that Spam doesn’t need refrigeration makes it a perfect item for Convoy to deliver to survivors.”