TAYLOR, Mich. - Marfood USA announced today that it has partnered with Operation Gratitude to donate a minimum of $100,000 worth of Pemmican Beef Jerky to deployed U.S. troops.

Specially marked Pemmican - Operation Gratitude shipper displays will be in stores from May through July 4 to support the program. For every bag of Pemmican 3.25-oz beef jerky shoppers buy during this time period, Pemmican will donate a bag of Beef Jerky to Operation Gratitude to include in care packages to deployed military personnel.

"We are thrilled by this donation because jerky is one of the most requested items by the troops," said Carolyn Blashek, ???????president of Operation Gratitude. "Jerky is ideal because it is not only delicious, but it??s packed with protein and can be easily taken out on missions."

"This promotion has received a lot of positive feedback," said Nakia Watkins, marketing manager of Marfood USA. "We are glad that consumers and our customers are interested in the program, but we are even more proud that we are able to take another step along the Pemmican Trail toward helping make things better in some way. We believe that providing Pemmican Beef Jerky for our troops is a way to give them sustenance and a taste of home."

Operation Gratitude is a 501(c)(3) volunteer-based organization that sends personal care packages and letters to U.S. military troops deployed in harm's way. Its mission is to put a smile on a service member's face and express the appreciation and support of the American people.

Pemmican Brand is owned by Marfood USA, a subsidiary of Marfrig Group, which is one of the largest suppliers of protein in the world.