Illinois Pork Producers recently donated over 400 pounds of ground pork to the Mason County Food Pantry in Havana. The gift was made possible with a monetary donation from the Mason County Pork Producers and the Pork Power program.

“We appreciate and thank the Pork Producers for their continued generosity and support of the Havana Food Pantry.  Without such support from local community organizations, we would not be able to continue to serve those in need,” said Sharon France, coordinator for the pantry, which serves over 800 families in their community.

The Mason County Pork Producers also grilled over 400 pork chops this past week at the Mason County Fair. The group has been promoting pork and serving their community since 1976.

“As farmers, we enjoy growing commodities to fuel our families and our communities. I am overjoyed to see this local group still going strong after 45 years of service,” said Alan Kollmann, president of the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA). “Their dedication to their local community, and our industry, is second-to-none.”

The ground pork for this donation was processed at Steidinger Foods, a long-time partner of the Pork Power program.

Since its inception in 2008, IPPA’s Pork Power program has generated over 922,000 pounds of pork - enough for over 3 million meals - for families throughout Illinois. The donation platform was created by pork producers from across the state who saw a need for quality protein in their communities and wanted to make a difference.