Smithfield rallies Virginia Tech basketball supporters to combat hunger among students

Blacksburg, Virginia – At Saturday’s Commonwealth Clash basketball game between rivals UVA and Virginia Tech, Smithfield urged Hokie supporters to support an effective campaign to combat student hunger.

In support of The Market of Virginia Tech, a campus food pantry that supplies necessary groceries to students experiencing food insecurity, Smithfield contributed $5,000 as part of the event, and Kroger matched this contribution. Donations of nonperishable food were also made by fans.

The Market, which was established in 2020 thanks to a kind donation of $1.5 million from alumni Hema and Mehul Sanghani, provides vital food supplies to up to 115 students each week.

According to the organizers, this program demonstrates Smithfield’s continued dedication to helping the UVA and Virginia Tech communities—not just via sports, but also through significant collaborations that have an impact.