Illinois Pork, Corn, Soybean Groups Donate 8,500 lb. of Pork
As part of the 10th anniversary of Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Illinois campaign, the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Soybean Association Checkoff Program and Knox County Pork Producers presented River Bend Foodbank with 8,500 pounds of ground pork.
“As farmers, we want to feed our communities—including those in need," says Stan Born, a farmer and Illinois Soybean Association board member from Dunlap. "Pork Power offers a practical opportunity for soybean producers to do just that. As a livestock feed ingredient, soybean meal provides critical protein to pork production, which uses nearly 79 percent of soybean meal fed in Illinois."
Since its inception in 2008, Pork Power has generated over 625,000 pounds of pork - enough for nearly 2.4 million meals - for families throughout Illinois. 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.
“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.
