By Andi Anderson
The Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA), along with Feeding Illinois, the Illinois Corn Growers Association, the Illinois Meat Processors Association, and the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), has donated more than 101,000 pounds of pork to regional food banks across Illinois.
The donation was made through the Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Illinois program, which supports families experiencing food insecurity.
The annual initiative focuses on providing high-quality protein to people in need while highlighting the commitment of Illinois farmers and agricultural organizations to supporting local communities. The donated pork was distributed to eight regional food banks throughout the state.
For the second consecutive year, Feeding Illinois matched the Illinois Pork Producers Association’s monetary contribution to regional food banks. This partnership effectively doubled the amount of ground pork available through the 2026 Pork Power program. In addition to financial support, pork producers also contributed hog donations, resulting in more than 7,000 pounds of additional ground pork.
“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.”
Illinois pork producers continue to support hunger-relief efforts beyond the holiday season. Their goal is to ensure that families have access to nutritious food throughout the year. By working together with agricultural partners, processors, and food banks, the program continues to expand its impact.
“The Pork Power program is a great example of how collaboration across agriculture can strengthen communities. ISA is proud to partner with IPPA to help deliver nutritious pork to food banks and families throughout Illinois and beyond,” said Bryan Severs, Illinois farmer and Illinois Soybean Association Chairman.
The program also benefits from support provided by commodity groups, meat processors, local packers, pig farmers, and individuals who purchased fundraising merchandise.
“Members of the Illinois Association of Meat Processors truly appreciate the opportunity to process thousands of pounds of Illinois pork into ground pork for the 2026 Pork Power program. This program provides nutritious, protein-packed pork to Illinois residents experiencing food insecurity. Our partnership with the Illinois Pork Producers Association spans nearly 20 years, and it’s exciting to see the program continue to grow with the added support of Feeding Illinois.” said Dianne Handsaker, Executive Secretary of the Illinois Association of Meat Processors.
The pork donations were distributed to 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, and Eastern Illinois Food Bank, helping thousands of families gain access to nutritious meals.
Photo Credit: illinois-pork-producers-association-
Categories: Illinois, Livestock, Hogs