‘Tis the season for goodwill and stepping up to support others. Here are just a few things that are happening in the pork industry to spread cheer this holiday season.
Indiana Pork Donates $5,000 in Gift Cards to Support Indiana Teachers
Indiana Pork supported Indiana educators by donating 50 gift cards valued at $100 each to teachers across the state. The donation, totaling $5,000, underscores Indiana Pork’s ongoing commitment to strengthening local communities and supporting those who make a difference in the lives of young Hoosiers every day.
The teachers were nominated by members of their communities, their students, administrators or other teachers for their hard work, dedication, and impact on students.
“Teachers play a vital role in shaping the future and we recognize the hard work and dedication they pour into their classrooms,” Jeanette Merritt, Director of Communications for Indiana Pork, said in a release. “We hope these gift cards can help ease some of the burden of out-of-pocket expenses for supplies and resources, ensuring teachers have the tools they need to create a positive learning environment for students.”
The gift cards will be distributed to teachers across Indiana who are often faced with the challenge of purchasing classroom materials using their personal funds. By alleviating some of these financial pressures, Indiana Pork seeks to show its appreciation for educators while also encouraging continued excellence in the classroom.
Illinois Pork Donates Ground Pork at River Bend Food Bank
As part of PORK Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Illinois campaign, the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) has donated over 1 million lb. of pork to food banks since 2008.
On Dec. 12, Tyler Main, an IPPA board member, joined representatives from River Bend Food Bank and Andrew Lehman with the John Deere Classic to donate over 6,000 lb. of ground pork processed by Country Village Meats. The original donation was around 4,400 lb. and IPPA partnered with John Deere Classic to donate based on the number of birdies made at the event, which totaled to 2,315 lb.
This brings IPPA closer to its goal of 100,000 lb. available for families throughout Illinois. Farmers and partnering commodity groups have worked together to donate to the program year-round to help feed those in need.
Smithfield Foods Donates $200,000 to Support An Achievable Dream Youth Education Program
Smithfield Foods donated $200,000 to An Achievable Dream (AAD), a nonprofit educational program, to support key aspects of AAD’s unique social, academic and mindset education framework and address local food insecurity for underserved families and children this holiday season.
“Investing in our youth is an investment in the future of our communities,” Jay Bennett, chief human resources officer for Smithfield Foods, said in a release. “We are committed to supporting educational programs like An Achievable Dream that truly make a difference in the lives of next generation’s leaders.”
Smithfield employees visited AAD Academy in Newport News, Va., on Dec. 10 and participated in the morning program by greeting students, presenting the donation check and reading to students in classrooms.
Over the past two decades, Smithfield has provided $3.7 million in support to AAD, which has helped build a brighter future for students, families and our communities. Smithfield employee Lashondra Walker recently shared her story as an AAD graduate.
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