ConAgra Foods signs Statement of Support for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve

OMAHA, Neb. – Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense office, announced today that Nicole Theophilus, ConAgra Foods executive vice president and chief human resources officer, signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve. Theophilus signed the pledge in a ceremony at the ConAgra Foods headquarters in Omaha. Theophilus was joined by Tom Bullock, ESGR chief of employer outreach. Also in attendance were representatives of both the Nebraska and Iowa State Adjutant Generals, as well as leadership from the Nebraska ESGR and national offices.

 “We’re honored to sign the Statement of Support, which confirms our company’s commitment to celebrating and honoring our employees who have served or are currently serving in the Guard and Reserve,” said Theophilus. “We recognize and appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will continue looking for opportunities to hire them.”

 The ESGR Statement of Support program is the cornerstone of ESGR’s efforts to gain and maintain employer support of the Guard and Reserve. The intent of this program is to increase employer support by encouraging employers to act as advocates for employee participation in the military.

 “Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units,” said Bullock. “ConAgra Foods is setting a high standard for all Nebraska employers to follow the lead in providing above and beyond support of Nebraska’s veterans, many of whom currently serve in the Guard and Reserve. By meeting the Statement of Support criteria ConAgra Foods will stand proudly with their Guard and Reserve employees who continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation.”

 About ConAgra Foods

 ConAgra Foods, Inc., (NYSE: CAG), is one of North America's leading food companies, with brands in 99 percent of America’s households. Consumers find Banquet, Chef Boyardee, Egg Beaters, Hebrew National, Hunt’s, Marie Callender’s, Orville Redenbacher’s, PAM, Peter Pan, Reddi-wip, Slim Jim, Snack Pack and many other ConAgra Foods brands in grocery, convenience, mass merchandise and club stores. ConAgra Foods also has a strong business-to-business presence supplying frozen potato and sweet potato products as well as other vegetable, spice and grain products to a variety of well-known restaurants, foodservice operators and commercial customers. For more information go to:  http://www.conagrafoods.com.

About ESGR

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense office established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service.  ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging the employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.

 More information about ESGR Employer Outreach is available at www.ESGR.mil or by contacting Tom Bullock, Chief, Employer Outreach, at (571) 372-0709, or by email at thomas.s.bullock6.civ@mail.mil.