Source: Iowa Pork Producers Association
Today the first of many giving events has kicked off Iowa's annual Hams Across America campaign. A breakfast that includes sausage and bacon is being served to clients of Central Iowa Shelter and Services in Des Moines. Members and staff of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, along with Fareway Stores, are sponsoring and serving the breakfast. They are being joined in that work by staff of the National Pork Board and National Pork Producers Council.

Central Iowa Shelter and Services provides meals and support services at no cost to adults experiencing homelessness.

Each year the Hams Across America campaign kicks off on Giving Tuesday - the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This nationally recognized day promotes charitable giving and pay-it-forward actions. Hams Across America extends through Dec. 23, and many county pork producer groups in Iowa will take part in local giving programs during the next four weeks. These events are just part of the diverse ways Iowa pig farmers support their communities throughout the year.

“Iowa pig farmers understand the important role they play in contributing to a better way of life in their communities,” says Trent Thiele, a pig farmer from Elma who is president-elect of the IPPA. “As pig farmers, our We Care ethical principles are the core of who we are as farmers, and it is important for us not only to talk about them, but to live them out every day.”

“At Fareway, we understand the importance of supporting our connected food system, our farmers and our communities; and this campaign does this. Therefore, we are honored to work with Iowa's pig farmers in their Hams Across America effort,” says Jeff Cook, vice president of market operations at Fareway.

Pig farmers and those involved in the pork industry are encouraged to extend the Hams Across America campaign in their local communities. Participants can then share their pay-it-forward stories on social media using #HamsAcrossAmerica in their posts.