Thousands of Northeast Ohio residents facing hunger will enjoy nourishing meals this Easter season, thanks to a 9,000-pound pork donation from Ohio farmers, via the Ohio Pork Council.
“Proteins, like pork, have always been an important staple in the American diet, but they are also one of the hardest foods to acquire,” said Dan Flowers, President and CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. “The Foodbank will be able to direct this wholesome, high-protein donation to many local food pantries, hot meal sites and hunger-relief programs in our service area just in time for families gathering around their tables for Easter.”
The Ohio Pork Council’s donation to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank is part of a commitment to food banks across Ohio, and will provide approximately 7,500 meals worth of food to individuals in need throughout the eight counties the Foodbank serves.
“In a state where agriculture is the number-one economic contributor, our members want to help feed hungry Ohioans,” said Bryan Humphreys, Ohio Pork Council Executive Vice President. “Food is a basic need that should be readily available to all Ohioans, and through the Pork Power program, Ohio’s pork farmers are committed to making that a reality by giving back to those in need.” Humphreys continued by saying, “Ohio’s pork farmers have donated more than 1.5 million meals to Ohioans in need through the Pork Power program. This compassion is rooted in the direct connection and relationships pork farmers have with their communities.”
During the 2016 Easter holiday, the Ohio Pork Council, an organization representing more than 2,500 pork farmers, will donate pork for more than 93,000 servings of pork for Ohio’s network of food banks. The donation comes with support from the Ohio Corn Marketing Program, Ohio pig farmers and businesses and 3-D Meats in Dalton, OH.
“With eight households involved in our family farm, we understand and appreciate the need for being supportive of our communities,” said Dave Shoup, Ohio family farmer. “We care about what goes into the food system, because our families share in the same blessings, and are proud to provide a safe, wholesome food to all."
For more information about the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, please visit akroncantononfoodbank.org.