During the winter months when food security is critical, the Iowa Pork Producers Association created the “pork in the Pantry” program which allowed county pork organizations to donate pork products to their local food banks and food pantries.  The result was successful with more than 50,000 meals provided to underprivileged Iowans.  Joyce Hoppes is the Consumer Information Director with the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

Hoppes says all types of pork products were donated to local food pantries.

Hoppes says 40 different county pork organizations participated in the “Pork in the Pantry” program.  She says the funding was through the pork check-off and it falls in line with the pork producers’ “We Care” campaign.

The Iowa Pork Producers Consumer Information director says the program was so successful that the organization is likely to continue the project for next winter.  She says food pantries shared their appreciation for the food donations.