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Illinois

Over 100,000 pounds of pork donated to regional food banks by Illinois Pork Producers, other groups

By Sharon Wren,

3 hours ago

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Checkoff programs from the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Feeding Illinois, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Meat Processors Association, and the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) are contributing over 101,000 pounds of pork to regional food hunger banks through their end-of-year giving effort, as part of the Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Illinois campaign. The collaboration builds on the statewide commitment to provide high-quality protein to families in need and highlights Illinois agriculture’s dedication to fighting hunger.

IPPA uses funds to donate ground pork to eight regional food banks in the state near the end of each calendar year. For the second consecutive year, Feeding Illinois has matched the Illinois Pork Producers Association’s monetary contribution to its member regional food banks, doubling the amount of ground pork available for donation through the 2026 Pork Power program. Farmers can donate hogs to the program, in addition to funding from Illinois Pork. This year, producer hog donations contributed to more than 7,000 pounds of ground pork.

“Protein is one of the most requested and hardest-to-source items at food banks, which is what makes the Pork Power program so meaningful,” said Deirdre Boone, Executive Director. “From the grain farmers who donate at harvest to the hog farmers, local processors and our seven-member food banks, this program is Illinois agriculture taking care of Illinois families. Feeding Illinois is proud to partner with the Illinois Pork Producers Association.”

“Together, with our match made possible by the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program, we invested nearly $240,000 last year to deliver more than 90,000 pounds of fresh pork statewide. We are grateful to IPPA for their commitment and look forward to growing this partnership.”

“The Pork Power program is a great example of how collaboration across agriculture can strengthen communities. ISA is proud to partner with IPPA to help deliver nutritious pork to food banks and families throughout Illinois and beyond,” said Bryan Severs, Illinois farmer and Illinois Soybean Association Chairman.

“Members of the Illinois Association of Meat Processors truly appreciate the opportunity to process thousands of pounds of Illinois pork into ground pork for the 2026 Pork Power program,” said Dianne Handsaker, Executive Secretary of the Illinois Association of Meat Processors. “This program provides nutritious, protein-packed pork to Illinois residents experiencing food insecurity. Our partnership with the Illinois Pork Producers Association spans nearly 20 years, and it’s exciting to see the program continue to grow with the added support of Feeding Illinois.”

Food banks that received pork donations in 2026 include:

  • Central Illinois Food Bank
  • St. Louis Area Food Bank
  • Northern Illinois Food Bank
  • Midwest Food Bank
  • Greater Chicago Food Depository
  • River Bend Food Bank
  • Tri-State Food Bank
  • Eastern Illinois Food Bank
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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