50,000 Pounds of Pork Donated to Regional Foodbanks in Illinois

Illinois pork producers generously made one of their final end-of-year donations  of ground pork to Midwest Food Bank in Normal, Ill., on Nov. 30. The Midwest Food Bank distributes nearly $34 million worth of food to over 2,200 non-profits each month.  

Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) board representative and pig farmer, Pat Bane, was joined at the food bank by Illinois Corn Director, John Klemm, and staff members from the Illinois Pork Producers Association, the Illinois Soybean Association, the Illinois Association of Meat Processors, ISU Redbird Sports Properties and Steidinger Foods.

"Illinois pork producers are not only a vital economic part of our state, but also a caring and giving part of our communities," Bane said in a release. "Pork Power is a wonderful program that gives much needed protein to the less fortunate. Since 2008, together with industry partners, we have provided over 3.3 million servings of healthy, nutritious, pork to those in need."

In 2023, along with industry partners, the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) has donated roughly 50,000 pounds of ground pork to nine regional food banks. 

"Seeing the Illinois Pork Producers generously donating pork to local food banks is a testament to the heart of the Illinois ag community. It's not just about feeding the world but ensuring that those in our own backyard have access to nutritious meals. This act of kindness embodies the spirit of unity and support that defines our industry, showing that together, we can make a significant impact on hunger relief efforts," Todd Main, director of market development at the Illinois Soybean Association, said in a release.

Klemm says he knows how important it is to make an impact in local communities all over the state. The program is important to him because he wants to help provide protein for hungry families. 

“This is literally a program that allows the 96% of family farmers in Illinois to feed the families that are their friends and neighbors,” Klemm adds. “I’m also grateful for the partnership at play here because our dollars go further when we all work together towards a common goal.”

As another year comes to a close, IPPA turns the remaining funds into ground pork and divides it among the regional food banks in the state.

Steidinger Foods delivered 6,000 lbs. of ground pork to the Midwest Food Bank, and another 600 pounds was added to the donation from the ISU Redbirds "Points for Protein" campaign. Each time the ISU Redbirds scored a home touchdown, 20 pounds of pork was donated to the Midwest Food Bank.

“I am impressed by the depth of caring and concern shown by this collaborative group of community partners fighting with us to battle food insecurity," Aimee Beam, executive director of Midwest Food Bank, said in a release. "Their pork donation represents 33,000 servings of nourishing, healthy protein for our hungry neighbors in need. We are grateful for such meaningful and impactful partnerships!”