By Andi Anderson
Illinois agricultural organizations are joining forces to address food insecurity by donating more than 101,000 pounds of pork to regional food banks across the state through the 2026 Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Illinois campaign.
The initiative brings together the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Feeding Illinois, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Meat Processors Association, and Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff programs.
The partnership aims to provide nutritious, high-quality protein to families facing food insecurity while highlighting the agricultural industry's commitment to supporting local communities.
Feeding Illinois Matches Pork Producers' Contribution
For the second consecutive year, Feeding Illinois has matched IPPA's financial contribution to its member food banks, doubling the amount of ground pork available through the 2026 program. IPPA traditionally distributes ground pork donations to eight regional food banks toward the end of each year.
Illinois pork producers also contributed by donating hogs, which generated more than 7,000 pounds of ground pork this year.
“Protein is one of the most requested and hardest-to-source items at food banks, which is what makes the Pork Power program so meaningful. From the grain farmers who donate at harvest to the hog farmers, local processors, and our seven-member food banks, this program is Illinois agriculture taking care of Illinois families. Feeding Illinois is proud to partner with the Illinois Pork Producers Association.” Said Deirdre Boone, Executive Director.
“Together, with our match made possible by the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program, we invested nearly $240,000 last year to deliver more than 90,000 pounds of fresh pork statewide. We are grateful to IPPA for their commitment and look forward to growing this partnership,” Boone added.
“Growing up on a hog farm and now raising my own family in this industry, I’ve always known that what we do is about more than raising pigs. It’s about caring for our neighbors and the communities we call home.” Said Katie Brown, IPPA President.
“Pork Power gives us the opportunity to share the food we work hard to produce with families who need it most. I’m proud to be part of an industry that doesn’t just talk about feeding people but puts that commitment into action,” Brown added.
"Donations like this enable us to provide nutritious, well-balanced food to our neighbors. Protein is an important part of a healthy diet, yet it can be one of the more expensive items for families to purchase.” Said Pam Molitoris, Executive Director at Central Illinois Foodbank.
“Through the Pork Power Program, Illinois Pork Producers are helping make this important source of nutrition more accessible to families across central and southern Illinois. We are incredibly grateful for their continued generosity and commitment to feeding families," Molitoris added.
Pork Donations in 2026
The eight regional food banks receiving pork donations are:
- Central Illinois Food Bank
- St. Louis Area Food Bank
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Midwest Food Bank
- Greater Chicago Food Depository
- River Bend Food Bank
- Tri-State Food Bank
- Eastern Illinois Food Bank
Photo Credit: illinois-pork-producers-association
Categories: Illinois, General, Livestock