JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — In December, the Missouri Pork Association, Smithfield Foods Inc., Prairie Fresh Pork and Missouri pig farmers teamed up to provide over 70,000 pounds of pork and $5,000 to Feeding Missouri. This donation is part of the annual Hams Across America program, which highlights the industry’s We CareSM ethical principles to contribute to a better way of life in local communities through pork product donations.
“We know that many of our neighbors are in need of extra help this holiday season, with one in seven people in Missouri struggling with hunger,” said Chris Chinn, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, who is also a pig farmer. “Being good neighbors and helping those in need is important to everyone in our industry. This donation, in partnership with Smithfield Foods and Prairie Fresh Pork, allows us to live the We Care ethical principles and share our love of the product that we produce.”
The 280,000 servings of pork were distributed state-wide to the six Missouri Food Banks, who are a part of Feeding Missouri. Feeding Missouri is a coalition of food banks that provides hunger relief programs in every county (and St. Louis City) in the state. Feeding Missouri will use the funds provided by the Missouri Pork Association to purchase additional pork products for their clients.
To read more about the Hams Across America event, click here!
— Missouri Department of Agriculture
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