Smithfield Foods announced in September that celebrity cook, restaurateur, author and TV personality Paula Deen has selected the company in an exclusive partnership aimed at promoting meals that encourage families to spend more time eating together.

The partnership between Deen and Smithfield Foods is part of a growing national effort to promote the many benefits of having families share meals together several times a week.

"Families are so busy today, and time to prepare meals is limited," said Deen, "so the trick is to keep it simple, but at the same time make meals interesting and nutritious. I'll be cooking meals that include wholesome and great tasting ingredients, but won't take a lot of time to prepare."

To achieve the partnership's goal, Deen will be involved in a number of activities including community outreach efforts, personal appearances, Web-based recipe and meal preparation tips and print and broadcast communications including Webcasts and new product development.

Deen's efforts will help meal preparers feel more confident in selecting cuts of meat for meals that take less time to prepare, are easy to make and are well-balanced for family members.

"Nourishing children's minds and bodies has long been a passion for Smithfield Foods, which makes this partnership's goal a natural fit," said James D. Schloss, Smithfield's corporate vice president of sales and marketing.

Schloss cited national research that showed teenagers who frequently eat meals with their families each week perform better academically and are much more likely to consume more key nutrients and fewer snack foods than their counterparts.

"Kids can learn important life lessons and social skills through the quality one-on-one time presented by cooking and enjoying meals together," said Deen. "It certainly paid off for my boys!"

Deen and her sons Jamie and Bobby own and operate the highly popular The Lady & Sons restaurant in Savannah, Ga., and she and her brother run the equally successful Uncle Bubba's Oyster House nearby. Known for her "down-home" personality and traditional Southern cooking, Deen has authored four cookbooks, publishes a lifestyle magazine called Cooking with Paula Deen and has her own TV show, Paula's Home Cooking, on the Food Network.

"We're thrilled to be teaming up with Paula because she is the epitome of great food, family and fun," said C. Larry Pope, Smithfield's chief executive officer. "What's more, she is a true American success story, starting out with just $200 and two teenage sons when she launched a catering service out of her home, eventually becoming a highly successful businesswoman with a huge and loyal audience."

Under the partnership agreement, Deen will initially promote various Smithfield-branded products. Smithfield will use its Web site and other promotional venues to market Deen's signature products, including her cookbooks, seasonings, BBQ sauces, aprons, T-shirts, gift certificates and cooking school.

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