Illinois Agriculture Unites to Donate Over 109,000 Pounds of Pork to Food Banks Across the State

Illinois agriculture is once again stepping up to fight hunger. Through the Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Illinois campaign, the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Feeding Illinois, IL Corn, Illinois Meat Processors Association, and the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff programs are donating more than 109,000 pounds of ground pork to regional food banks across Illinois.

This end-of-year donation reflects the shared commitment of Illinois farmers, livestock producers, commodity organizations, and processors to provide high-quality protein to families in need.

A Powerful Partnership to Combat Hunger

Each year, IPPA pools funds to purchase ground pork, distributing it among Illinois food banks. For 2025, Feeding Illinois matched IPPA’s contribution, doubling the amount of pork available thanks to support from the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program, a state initiative connecting farmers directly with food banks to supply fresh, local food.

“Matching Illinois Pork Producers’ Pork Power program with Feeding Illinois’ Farm to Food Bank funding combines two impactful programs,” said Steve Ericson, Feeding Illinois. “This partnership puts more fresh, high-quality protein on the tables of our state’s hungry neighbors while investing in our Illinois hog farmers and supporting our Feeding Illinois food bank.”

The Illinois Association of Meat Processors (IAMP) also plays a key role by preparing an 85% lean ground pork product sourced from Illinois hogs.

“The Pork Power program once again is a full-circle effort from the farm to the tables of those in need, just in time for the holiday season,” said Dianne Handsaker, IAMP.

Corn Farmers Supporting Food Security

Livestock and grain farmers are deeply interconnected, and Illinois corn farmers are proud to contribute to this effort.

“Corn farmers help feed Illinois hogs, and those hogs in turn help feed Illinois families,” said Dan Meyer, Illinois farmer and IL Corn Marketing Board Director, who attended this year’s donation event. “Programs like Pork Power show what can happen when agriculture works together. We’re not just growing crops — we’re strengthening our communities.”

Agriculture Leaders Agree: This Matters

“Pork Power gives corn farmers a tangible way to support local food insecurity, strengthen relationships across commodity groups, and remind everyone that agriculture is about more than production — it’s about people,” said Tim Thompson, IL Corn Marketing Board Chairman.

“ISA values our long-standing partnership with IPPA, and the Pork Power program reflects what’s possible when Illinois agriculture works together,” added Todd Main, Illinois Soybean Association Director of Market Development.

Food Banks Receiving Pork in 2025

Central Illinois Food Bank
St. Louis Area Food Bank
Northern Illinois Food Bank
Midwest Food Bank
Greater Chicago Food Depository
River Bend Food Bank
Tri-State Food Bank
Eastern Illinois Food Bank

These donations were also supported by a contribution from Senator Doris Turner, Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, whose gift was doubled through Feeding Illinois’ matching funds.

Thank You to the Partners Who Make This Possible