This is the fifth year Fareway and Iowa Pork Producers Association have generously supported the CISS community in this way.

November 30, 2021

2 Min Read
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A giant grocery list and dozens of Des Moines-area leaders were part of the fifth annual “Lend A Ham" event that took place at Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS) in Des Moines on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 30.

Representatives from Fareway Stores, Iowa Pork Producers Association, elected officials and other leaders will serve a hearty breakfast to vulnerable members of the community. Beginning at 6:00 a.m., volunteers prepared and distributed 350 meals, which included pork biscuit sandwiches, fresh fruit, milk, orange juice, hot chocolate and coffee.

“This is the fifth year Fareway and Iowa Pork Producers Association have generously supported the CISS community in this way,” said Melissa O’Neil, Central Iowa Shelter & Services CEO. “Although the past couple of years have been challenging, these organizations have always found a way to deliver their special ‘bacon aromatherapy’ to those we serve.”

Besides feeding the most vulnerable in the community, the Lend A Ham event provides an opportunity for elected officials and community leaders to engage with CISS clients, share ideas and better understand how CISS makes a difference in their lives.

“We all continue to be challenged by changes caused by Covid-19, but all Iowans should know that farmers are still producing plentiful and safe food,” said Kevin Rasmussen, a pig farmer from Goldfield, Iowa. “In the past 18 months, Iowa pig farmers have donated more than 850,000 pork meals to Iowans in need, and we aren’t slowing down.”

“We look forward to this annual Giving Tuesday event all year,” said Jeff Cook, Fareway Vice President of Market Operations. “This event feeds people, but it also gives us the chance to team up with advocates in the pork industry and help our communities. We’re proud to partner with Iowa’s pork producers, who provide protein-rich meals to our communities all year long.”

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