As part of the “Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Illinois” campaign, the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) donated 50,000 pounds of ground pork to nine regional food banks in 2023.
Recently, IPPA President Chad Leman was joined by Illinois Corn Growers Association Board Member Shane Gray and staff members from the Illinois Pork Producers Association, the Illinois Soybean Association, and Turasky Meats, at Central Illinois Foodbank in Springfield, to make one of the final end-of-year donations. The donated pork was processed by Turasky Meats. Central Illinois Foodbank serves more than 140 partner agencies across 21 counties in central and southern Illinois.
“As farmers across the State of Illinois, we have deep ties to our local communities,” said IPPA president and Illinois pig farmer Chad Leman. “Ingrained in each of us is a desire to help our neighbors, who may be in need. One of the best ways we can do that is to provide food from our farms, specifically pork products, to our local food banks.
“Pork Power is a program administered through the Illinois Pork Producers Association that helps pork producers donate thousands of pounds of pork that is processed at local lockers and then donated to those in need. This past year, Illinois pig farmers donated more than 50,000 pounds of pork to nine regional food banks, who then distribute the meat to local food pantries. Thank you to my fellow producers for your generosity and always responding to the needs of others.”
“I am so proud my Illinois corn checkoff dollars work in partnership with Illinois Pork dollars and Illinois Soybean dollars to make a big impact for hungry families in Illinois,” said Shane Gray, Illinois Corn Director and farmer from Waverly. “Farmers are passionate about feeding people, and I know this protein donation is vital to the food banks in Illinois. Illinois Corn is proud to support this important mission and to encourage people in Illinois to eat more pork.”
“ISA’s collaboration with Illinois Pork and Illinois Corn in the Pork Power program consistently proves to be valuable for the organizations involved, Illinois farmers, and the community each year,” noted Brian Atteberry, ISA District 16 Director and Market Development Committee Chair. “This program highlights the power of collective efforts and the importance of supporting local food banks and those in need.”
Towards the end of each calendar year, IPPA turns the remaining funds into ground pork and divides it among the regional food banks in the state. As part of the end-of-the-year giving campaign, more than 4,800 pounds of pork were donated recently to Central Illinois Foodbank. The Central Illinois Foodbank serves more than 140 partner agencies across 21 counties in central and southern Illinois.
“Protein is expensive, and many of our neighbors are unable to afford to put it on their tables,” said Brooke Dunn, public relations manager at Central Illinois Foodbank. “We are so incredibly grateful for this donation from the Pork Power program and the many years of partnership with the Illinois Pork Producers Association, the Illinois Corn Growers Association, and the Illinois Soybean Association.”