Illinois Agriculture Unites to Donate Over 109,000 Pounds of Pork to Food Banks Across the State

Illinois agriculture is once again stepping up to fight hunger. Through the Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Illinois campaign, the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Feeding Illinois, IL Corn, Illinois Meat Processors Association, and the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff programs are donating more than 109,000 pounds of ground pork to regional food banks across Illinois.

This end-of-year donation reflects the shared commitment of Illinois farmers, livestock producers, commodity organizations, and processors to provide high-quality protein to families in need.

A Powerful Partnership to Combat Hunger

Each year, IPPA pools funds to purchase ground pork, distributing it among Illinois food banks. For 2025, Feeding Illinois matched IPPA’s contribution, doubling the amount of pork available thanks to support from the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program, a state initiative connecting farmers directly with food banks to supply fresh, local food.

“Matching Illinois Pork Producers’ Pork Power program with Feeding Illinois’ Farm to Food Bank funding combines two impactful programs,” said Steve Ericson, Feeding Illinois. “This partnership puts more fresh, high-quality protein on the tables of our state’s hungry neighbors while investing in our Illinois hog farmers and supporting our Feeding Illinois food bank.”

The Illinois Association of Meat Processors (IAMP) also plays a key role by preparing an 85% lean ground pork product sourced from Illinois hogs.

“The Pork Power program once again is a full-circle effort from the farm to the tables of those in need, just in time for the holiday season,” said Dianne Handsaker, IAMP.