Pork in the Pantry Provides 75,000 Servings to Those in Need

County pork organizations across the state stepped up in a big way this year for the Pork in the Pantry program. A total of 47 county organizations participated in the program, donating more than 18,000 pounds of pork, totaling almost 75,000 servings to help fight food insecurity in Iowa.

“We are deeply grateful to the Iowa Pork Producers and the 47 county pork organization participating in Pork in the Pantry for the remarkable donations distributed to food pantries and food banks across Iowa," said Linda Gorkow, executive director of the Iowa Food Bank Association. "This generous contribution will make a meaningful difference for families and individuals facing food insecurity across the state. Their commitment to nourishing our communities reflets the very best of Iowa values -compassion, generosity and neighborly care.”

Organized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Pork in the Pantry offers up to $1,000 in funding per county pork producer organization to purchase and donate pork to local food pantries. Counties handle the purchasing and donations, and IPPA reimburses them, making it easy to give back. Some counties provided more than $1,000 worth of pork, covering their own costs for the additional donations. Local businesses assisted with donations as well.

This is the third year of the Pork in the Pantry program, and this year's effort smashed previous records for participation from counties and the amounts of pork donated.