The Iowa Pork Producers Association, in partnership with Fareway Stores Inc., distributed more than 9,500 pounds of ground pork to six food banks this week, providing an estimated 38,000 servings of protein to families facing food insecurity.
The $20,000 donation reached facilities in Des Moines, Davenport, Waterloo, Sioux City and Omaha on Oct. 28-29. In the Corridor, HACAP Food Reservoir in Hiawatha was a recipient. Funding came from the pork producers group’s BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark fundraiser held earlier this year.
“This effort is about more than just delivering pork. It’s also about caring for our neighbors,” said Aaron Juergens, an Iowa pig farmer from Carroll who serves as president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “Through the We Care principles, Iowa pig farmers are committed to supporting people, animals, and the communities we call home. Working with partners like Fareway and our state’s food banks allows us to help ensure families have access to nutritious, high-quality protein.”
Fareway handled logistics for transporting the meat to each location. Jeff Cook, the company’s vice president of retail market operations, said the partnership supports Iowa agriculture while addressing community needs.
“Providing ground pork to local food banks aligns with our long-standing commitment to supporting Iowa agriculture and strengthening the communities we serve. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for families in need,” he said.
Protein donations “make a tremendous difference for the families we serve,” said Linda Gorkow, executive director of the Iowa Food Bank Association.
The distribution is part of IPP’s Pork in the Pantry initiative, which promotes year-round pork donations from county producer groups to local food banks.
