Farmer John and Los Angeles Dodger, Andre Ethier, Team up to Score a Home Run in the Fight against Hunger

VERNON, Calif.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Farmer John, the maker of the iconic DODGER DOG® hot dogs and other high-quality protein products, announced today the company’s pledge to donate 1,000 pounds of food to the Union Rescue Mission for every home run scored by Dodger right fielder, Andre Ethier, during the 2011 regular season.

“To have the opportunity to help those who are less fortunate definitely provides additional motivation during every game”

Leading the pledge contribution, Ethier has again partnered with Farmer John in the effort to help the local community. With every home run carrying meaning to the community, Ethier aims to exceed his 23 home runs from the 2010 season.

“To have the opportunity to help those who are less fortunate definitely provides additional motivation during every game," said Ethier. “I am happy to be teaming up with Farmer John again to help those in need here in Los Angeles for an effort that is close to my heart.”

For 53 years, the Dodgers and Farmer John have worked together in creating memorable game-day experiences for generations of Dodgers fans. The DODGER DOG® hot dog is one of the most iconic baseball menu items in the nation. More than 70 million DODGER DOG® hot dogs have been served to fans since the start of this historic partnership.

“This year, Farmer John celebrates its 80^th year in business, continuing its commitment to local communities and its desire to help the growing number of people in Los Angeles who face the threat of hunger every day,” said Greg Longstreet, president of Farmer John.

About Farmer John

Farmer John, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), is headquartered in Los Angeles. Farmer John produces more than 1,200 items for the retail and foodservice channels in the western United States. Offering an array of fresh and value-added protein products, the FARMER JOHN® Brand holds leadership positions in many categories. The world-famous DODGER DOG® hot dogs are one of the many products marketed under the FARMER JOHN® Brand. The company employs more than 1,700 people in Southern California. For additional information, visit www.farmerjohn.com.

About Union Rescue Mission

Union Rescue Mission is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving people experiencing homeless. Established in 1891, URM is one of the largest rescue missions of its kind in the United States and is the oldest in Los Angeles. It provides a comprehensive array of emergency and long-term services, including food, shelter, clothing; medical and dental care; Christian recovery programs, transitional housing, legal assistance, education, counseling and job training to needy men, women, children and families. For more information, please visit our website www.urm.org.

About Andre Ethier

Andre Ethier made his Major League debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2006 and quickly established himself as a major contributor to the Dodger lineup. He has since become a key offensive spark for the Dodgers and in 2009, was awarded the NL Silver Slugger and was voted MLB's Pepsi Clutch Player of the year. In 2010, Ethier was voted in as a starter in his first MLB All-Star game. Andre's enormous popularity off the field stems from his many charitable activities as well as his wildly popular MLB blog called 'Dining with Dre,' where he reviews many of the restaurants he discovers during his travels.