In Ohio, the “Three C’s” — Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus — represent more than population centers. They are also where food insecurity continues to impact thousands of families, increasing demand for one of the most sought-after items at food banks: high-quality protein.
That’s where Ohio’s pig farmers are stepping in. Through the Ohio Pork Council’s Pork Power initiative, recent donations totaling $11,000 to three major food banks are helping ensure pork reaches families who need it most. Collectively, the efforts underscore a simple but powerful connection that helps bridge the gap between farmers who produce nutritious food and the communities that rely on it.
Meeting urgent need in northeast Ohio
At the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, a $5,000 contribution is helping serve a six-county region where demand remains high. In 2025 alone, the organization served more than 404,000 people.
“We’re grateful to the Ohio Pork Council to provide this much needed protein that will help meet the needs of so many families, seniors and children in the Greater Cleveland community,” said Karen Pozna. “I know our partner agencies and neighbors are thrilled to receive this nutritious product.”
For Ohio Pork Council President Nathan Schroeder from Leipsic, the impact is rooted in community. He said, “We know that there’s a real need in communities across the state. That’s a big reason why this long-standing partnership is one way we as Ohio pig farmers can step up for our neighbors and help make a difference for families who need it most.”
Providing center-of-the-plate protein in Cincinnati
In southwest Ohio, a $3,000 donation to the Freestore Foodbank is expected to provide about 9,000 meals. Just as importantly, it provides something many families are missing.
“Demand continues to rise, and support like this is critical to helping us meet the needs of families across our communities,” said CEO Kurt Reiber. “Being able to offer protein, especially pork at the center of the plate, goes a long way. It’s something families truly value.”
For Jess Stevens, a Waynesville pig farmer, and state and national pork leader, the connection between farm and family is personal.
“As farmers, we care deeply about making sure families have access to safe, nutritious food,” she said. “Pork is a versatile, high-quality protein, and we’re honored to help provide something families can put at the center of their table.”
Scaling impact in central Ohio and beyond
In Columbus and surrounding counties, the Mid-Ohio Food Collective distributes more than 193,000 meals each day, underscoring the scale of need across its 20-county region.
“One of the most requested, and difficult to secure items for food banks is protein, especially high-quality animal protein,” said CEO Matt Habash. “Donations like this from Ohio Pork play a critical role in helping us meet that need.”
Producers in Ohio understand. “Providing high-quality protein is one of the most meaningful ways we can support families facing hunger,” said OPC President-Elect Jarred Black, a producer from Canal Winchester. “It’s important to us that it reaches people who need it most right here in our communities.”
A unified effort across the “Three C’s”
Across Cincinnati and Columbus alone, recent donations are expected to provide more than 18,000 meals, with Cleveland adding a comparable impact. But beyond the numbers, the broader story is about connection.
From the shores of Lake Erie to the Ohio River Valley and to the state’s capital region, Ohio’s pig farmers are helping bridge the gap between food production and food access. Through the Pork Power initiative, begun in 2009, the focus remains on ensuring that pork raised in rural Ohio is available to nourish all communities across the state — a tradition of caring that is sure to endure.
