National Pork Board campaign invites families to share meaningful pork dishes and cultural stories
Food is often more than just a meal. It can bring families together, preserve traditions, and keep cultural memories alive from one generation to the next. Recognizing the important role food plays in family life, the National Pork Board (NPB) has launched an initiative that encourages people to share the pork dishes that have become part of their family stories.
Through its consumer brand, Explora Todo El Gusto Del Pork™, the National Pork Board is inviting Hispanic Gen Z and Millennial home cooks across the United States to submit treasured family pork recipes along with the memories and traditions connected to them. The campaign aims to celebrate the deep connections between food, culture, and family heritage.
As part of the initiative, selected recipes may be featured in a special limited-edition recipe collection scheduled for release later this fall. Some of the chosen dishes may also be prepared by actor Paulina Chávez, helping bring these family stories to a wider audience.
“Every family has a dish that instantly feels like home, and for so many of us, it starts with pork,” said Chávez. “Whether it’s your abuelita’s pozole, your dad’s carnitas or the dish that brings everyone together for the holidays, every pork dish tells a story. I can’t wait to see the recipes and hear the memories behind them, because sharing them is how we preserve our culture, celebrate our traditions and pass our gustos y sabores on to the next generation.”
Chávez, known for her work in television and film, is partnering with the campaign to encourage young people to embrace and preserve the traditions passed down through generations. She believes family recipes often represent much more than ingredients and cooking methods. They reflect memories, celebrations, and the people who helped shape family identities.
Many families have a favorite dish that brings everyone together during special occasions, holidays, or family gatherings. These recipes are often passed from grandparents to parents and then to children, helping preserve culture and tradition. The campaign highlights how food can serve as a bridge between generations while creating lasting memories.
The initiative also reflects the growing importance of cultural preservation among younger generations. Hispanic Gen Z and Millennials represent a significant portion of the U.S. Hispanic population and continue to value family traditions. Research shows that many young consumers believe it is important to pass cultural customs and family practices on to future generations.
Cooking at home remains one of the strongest ways people maintain connections to their heritage. Preparing traditional meals often provides an opportunity for family members to share stories, learn family history, and celebrate cultural identity. For many households, pork continues to be a key ingredient in these traditions because of its versatility, flavor, and long-standing place in family recipes.
“Food has a special way of connecting generations,” said José de Jesús, Vice President of Market Growth at the National Pork Board. “Through this initiative, we’re celebrating the role pork plays in the dishes and stories Hispanic families have shared across generations, while encouraging younger consumers to proudly carry those traditions forward and make them their own.”
National Pork Board representatives say the campaign is designed to honor the role pork has played in family meals for generations. By encouraging people to share recipes and the stories behind them, the initiative hopes to create a collection of experiences that reflect the diversity and richness of family traditions.
The campaign also demonstrates how food can strengthen relationships within families. Whether a recipe is prepared for a holiday gathering, a weekend meal, or a special celebration, cooking often creates opportunities for connection and meaningful conversations. These shared experiences can help preserve traditions while allowing younger generations to create new memories of their own.
Another goal of the program is to inspire more people to recognize the value of their family recipes. Many treasured dishes have been passed down for decades, yet the stories behind them are sometimes forgotten. By documenting recipes and sharing personal memories, families can help ensure these traditions continue for years to come.
Participants are encouraged to submit a pork dish that holds special meaning for their family along with the story that makes the recipe memorable. Entries can highlight important family occasions, cultural celebrations, or everyday traditions that have shaped family life.
The initiative is open through September 24, 2026. Participants can submit their entries on Instagram by tagging @porkessabor and using the hashtag #npbsubmission. Selected submissions may be included in the campaign’s featured recipe collection later this year.
As food continues to play an important role in preserving cultural identity and strengthening family bonds, initiatives like this demonstrate the power of sharing recipes and stories. Whether it is a dish enjoyed during holidays, a recipe passed through multiple generations, or a family favorite served at gatherings, every recipe carries a story worth preserving.
Through this campaign, the National Pork Board hopes to celebrate those stories and encourage families to keep their traditions alive for future generations.
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