By Andi Anderson
The Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) has donated over 100,000 pounds of pork to fight hunger through the Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Illinois campaign.
This program, active since 2008, aims to support families facing food insecurity by providing pork products to food banks across the state.
This year, the IPPA continued its commitment by donating 5,000 pounds of pork to the Midwest Food Bank. The donation, processed by Steidinger Foods, was part of a larger collaborative effort that includes key commodity partners like Illinois Corn and Illinois Soybean.
IPPA President Cheryl Walsh highlighted the importance of these partnerships: “We value the relationships we have with each of these great associations. Without their support, this effort wouldn’t be possible,” said Walsh.
The donation marks a significant milestone, bringing the total weight of pork donations closer to 100,000 pounds for the year.
Cassie Dumoulin, the IL Corn Director and a hog farmer, shared the personal connection she feels to the program. "As a hog farmer, I know the essential role corn plays in feeding our livestock, which in turn helps feed families," Dumoulin said.
Her efforts alongside other local farmers emphasize the importance of collaboration in addressing hunger.
In addition to these donations, the Illinois State University Redbirds contributed 420 pounds of pork to the Midwest Food Bank as part of their "Points for Protein" campaign. Every touchdown scored during home games resulted in 20 pounds of pork being donated.
As the year ends, the IPPA plans to convert remaining funds into ground pork, further distributing it to regional food banks across Illinois. The effort showcases the power of partnerships in providing essential nutrition to families in need.
Photo Credit: illinois-pork-producers-association-
Categories: Illinois, Livestock, Hogs