SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — As part of the Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Illinois campaign, the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA), along with the Illinois Corn Marketing Board and the Illinois Soybean Association Checkoff Program have provided nine regional Foodbanks with over 4,000 pounds of ground pork this month as part of a special “Christmas in July” donation.
Since its inception in 2008, Pork Power has generated nearly 570,000 pounds of pork – enough for nearly 2.9 million meals – for families throughout Illinois. Pork, soybean and corn farmers commit funds from their respective checkoff programs to support this program. The Pork Power program is also an opportunity to promote pork as families are educated on how to prepare and incorporate pork into their favorite dishes. Families receive information on the important nutritional, mental and physical benefits of including protein in the diet.
“We recognize that the need for high quality protein is year-round and Pork Power offers a practical way for Illinois farmers to work together to feed our communities,” said IPPA president, Mike Haag.
The following foodbanks will receive a portion of the 4,000 pounds of pork: Central Illinois Foodbank, Eastern Illinois Foodbank, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Midwest Foodbank, Northern Illinois Foodbank, Peoria Area Foodbank, Riverbend Foodbank, St. Louis Area Foodbank and Tristate Foodbank.
Farmers and partnering commodity groups give pork and monetary donations all year round. At the end of each giving season IPPA turns the remaining funds into ground pork and divides it among the regional foodbanks in the state.
— Illinois Pork Producers Association
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