News : There is "Pork in the Pantry" at area Food Pantries

The Benton County Pork Producers are proud to participate in the Pork in the Pantry program, helping fight food insecurity in the county. This year, the organization donated $1,000 worth of pork to the Shellsburg Food Pantry and the Vinton Food Pantry, ensuring that families in need have access to high quality, nutritious protein. 

Organized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Pork in the Pantry provides funding to help purchase pork for donation to local food pantries. County pork producer organizations handle the purchasing and donations, and the Iowa Pork Producers Association reimburses them -making it easy to give back. 

"Food insecurity remains a real issue in Iowa, and programs like Pork in the Pantry allow us to make a direct impact in our own communities," said Denise Wiley, Benton County Pork Producers member. "As pork producers, we care about giving back, and we're glad to help provide high-quality protein to those who need it most." 

In addition to helping food-insecure Iowans, many county organizations purchase pork locally, supporting small businesses and strengthening the local economy. This year meat was purchased at Roys' Grocery in Shellsburg and Fareway in Vinton.  Meat is one of the most-requested items at food banks, making this program essential to ensuring those in need receive proper nutrition. 

The Pork in the Pantry program is now in its third year. In 2024, 39 county pork producer organizations across Iowa participated, donating more than $45,000 worth of pork, which provided approximately 60,000 servings of protein to food-insecure Iowans. 

Pork producers in Benton County encourage others to get involved and make a difference. For more information, visit IowaPork.org.