Hormel Foods Salutes the Military with Scholarship Program
Aug 10, 2007
SPAM™ Operation Education Scholarship Fund Awards Military Families
AUSTIN, Minn. — As part of its long time support of America’s servicemen and women, Hormel Foods today announced the launch of the SPAM™ Operation Education Scholarship Fund, a program that awards $1,500 scholarships to college-bound students of military families.
The program goal is to raise $100,000 by March 2008, with Hormel Foods contributing $50,000 and the remaining amount to be collected through consumer donations. One scholarship, at minimum, will be awarded at each commissary location that receives applications. Applications can be downloaded at http://www.militaryscholar.org/. Entrants will be evaluated based on their academic achievements and financial needs.
“SPAM® luncheon meat played a vital role in feeding the troops during WWII,” said Dan Goldman, product manger, Hormel Foods. “We are proud to continue our support for the troops today with the inception of the SPAM™ Operation Scholarship Fund, making children of military families’ dreams come true by giving them a chance at higher education.”
Hormel Foods created a camouflage, limited-edition SPAM™ Operation Education can in the SPAM® Classic variety in honor of the scholarship program. Limited-edition SPAM™ Operation Education cans will be available in select commissary markets and grocery stores beginning this month while supplies last.
Consumers can contribute to the SPAM™ Operation Education Scholarship Fund in a variety of ways. Twenty cents from each purchase of the limited edition Operation Education promotional twin pack of SPAM® Classic will go toward the Scholarship Fund. In addition, Hormel Foods created a commemorative SPAM™ Operation Education T-shirt, which consumers can purchase for $15.00 at http://www.spamoperationeducation.com/, with proceeds going toward the fund. Consumers can also make personal donations by visiting the SPAM™ Web site.
Hormel Foods is executing the scholarship program in partnership with the Fisher House Foundation, a military non-profit organization devoted to supporting America’s military in their time of need.
Hormel Foods support of the military dates back to World War II, when more than 100 million pounds of SPAM® luncheon meat were shipped abroad to feed Allied troops. Canned meat became of particular importance during the war, and SPAM® was singled out as a product that could be shipped anywhere in the world without refrigeration. SPAM® quickly became a staple in pantries on the home front as well as the battlefield, and its savory, salty-sweet flavor continues to be enjoyed today by the military as well as SPAM™ lovers around the world.
For more information on the SPAM™ Operation Education Scholarship Fund, visit www.spam.com/operationeducation.
About Hormel Foods
Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer-branded food and meat products, many of which are among the best known and trusted in the food industry. The company leverages its extensive expertise, innovation and high competencies in pork and turkey processing and marketing to bring quality, value-added brands to the global marketplace. In each of the past eight years, Hormel Foods was named one of "The 400 Best Big Companies in America" by Forbes magazine. The company enjoys a strong reputation among consumers, retail grocers, and foodservice and industrial customers for products highly regarded for quality, taste, nutrition, convenience and value. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com.