CLIVE, Iowa—The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), in partnership with Fareway Stores, Inc., delivered $20,000 worth of ground pork to six regional food banks across Iowa and western Nebraska this week as part of an ongoing effort to fight food insecurity and support local communities. The donations equal more than 9,500 lbs. of ground pork and will provide more than 38,000 servings of valuable protein to people in need.
Deliveries took place October 28–29 to the Food Bank of Iowa in Des Moines, River Bend Food Bank in Davenport,, Northeast Iowa Food Bank in Waterloo, HACAP Food Reservoir in Hiawatha, Food Bank of Siouxland in Sioux City, and the Food Bank for the Heartland in Omaha. The donations were made possible through funds raised at IPPA’s annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark event, held earlier this year.
“This effort is about more than just delivering pork. It’s also about caring for our neighbors,” said Aaron Juergens, an Iowa pig farmer from Carroll who serves as president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “Through the We Care principles, Iowa pig farmers are committed to supporting people, animals, and the communities we call home. Working with partners like Fareway and our state’s food banks allows us to help ensure families have access to nutritious, high-quality protein.”
Fareway, a long-time partner in community giving efforts, provided the resources to deliver the ground pork to the donation centers.
“Fareway is proud to partner with Iowa’s pig farmers and the Iowa Pork Producers Association to help fight food insecurity across our state,” said Jeff Cook, VP of retail market operations at Fareway Stores, Inc. “Providing ground pork to local food banks aligns with our long-standing commitment to supporting Iowa agriculture and strengthening the communities we serve. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for families in need.”
According to the Iowa Food Bank Association, donations of protein are among the most valuable contributions to food pantries across the state.
“Protein donations like this make a tremendous difference for the families we serve,” said Linda Gorkow, executive director of the Iowa Food Bank Association. “We’re grateful to the Iowa Pork Producers Association and Fareway for their generosity and partnership. Their support helps ensure that Iowans facing food insecurity can put nutritious meals on their tables.”
The effort is part of IPPA’s ongoing Pork in the Pantry initiative, which encourages county pork producer organizations and partners to donate pork products to local food pantries throughout the year.
“Fighting hunger is one of the most meaningful ways we can live out our We Care commitment,” Juergens said. “We’re proud to see Iowa’s pig farmers stepping up again and again to make sure no one goes hungry.”
(contributed press release, IPPA)
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