Illinois producers donate 50,000 pounds of pork to foodbanks

As part of "Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Illinois" campaign, one of the final ground pork donations of 2023 was made to the Midwest Food Bank, which distributes nearly $34 million worth of food to over 2,200 non-profits each month.

Illinois Pork Producers Association board representative and pig farmer, Pat Bane, was recently joined by Illinois Corn Director John Klemm, IPPA staff members, the Illinois Soybean Association, the Illinois Association of Meat Processors, ISU Redbird Sports Properties, and Steidinger Foods at Midwest Food Bank in Normal, Illinois to make one of the final end-of-year donations.

"Illinois pork producers are not only a vital economic part of our state, but also a caring and giving part of our communities," says Bane. "Pork Power is a wonderful program that gives much needed protein to the less fortunate. Since 2008, together with industry partners, we have provided over 3.3 million servings of healthy, nutritious, pork to those in need."

"We’d like to thank the Illinois Pork Producers Association for their support of Illinois State Athletics and the Bloomington Normal Community through the Pork Power Campaign," says Matt Moran, general manager of ISU Redbird Sports Properties. "Working together to find a creative way to give back to the community not only brought additional excitement to our football games but will help provide much needed protein to our community."

In 2023, along with industry partners, IPPA has donated roughly 50,000 pounds of ground pork to nine regional food banks.

"Seeing the Illinois Pork Producers generously donating pork to local food banks is a testament to the heart of the Illinois ag community. It's not just about feeding the world but ensuring that those in our own backyard have access to nutritious meals. This act of kindness embodies the spirit of unity and support that defines our industry, showing that together, we can make a significant impact on hunger relief efforts," says Todd Main, director of market development at the Illinois Soybean Association.