COLUMBUS — The Ohio Pork Producers Council has just unveiled its new effort, “Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Ohio,” and it’s already received more than 20,000 pounds of pork committed to the program.
The pork producers council is leading an effort to generate 100,000 pounds of pork, or 500,000 servings, for the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks by April 30, 2010.
The effort is a partnership between the council and the association, along with the Ohio Association of Meat Processors and the Ohio Corn Marketing Program.
Real need
“While hunger is a year-round problem, we recognize that right now our local communities are facing greater hunger needs than ever before,” said Jennifer Keller, Ohio Pork Producers Council marketing and education director.
“While I realize this has been an extremely difficult year for the pork industry, I am optimistic that Ohio’s hog farmers will help us reach our goal of donating 100,000 pounds of pork.”
Processors onboard
On Sept. 1, 2009, meat processors throughout the state will begin accepting donated hogs and sows to process into 1- or 2-pound packages of ground pork for distribution at the foodbanks.
Participating members agreed to reduce their processing fees through April 30, 2010, for those pork producers donating eligible hogs.
The Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks is coordinating distribution and delivery of donated pork to foodbanks across the state.
Learn more
For more information about the program or to learn how you can contribute, contact Jennifer Keller at 800-320-7991.
