Hogs for Hunger program to provide locally produced pork to northeast Missouri food pantries

NORTHEAST, Mo. — A new collaborative initiative, Hogs for Hunger, is set to tackle food insecurity in northeast Missouri by supplying area food pantries with locally produced pork. This program is a partnership between Missouri Farmers Care, the Missouri Pork Association and United Way of the Mark Twain Area.

Both Missouri Farmers Care and United Way of the Mark Twain Area have overseen efforts to get more locally donated pork into pantries. However, by teaming up with the Missouri Pork Association, the organizations are creating a larger scale, streamlined process to increase the efficiency and outcomes of their efforts.

“Missouri pork producers have a long history of giving back to their communities, and Hogs for Hunger offers a convenient avenue to continue that tradition,” Scott Hays, executive director of the Missouri Pork Association, said in a press release. “We hope our producers will enthusiastically participate in this program, helping us get high-quality nutritious pork to our neighbors in need right here in northeast Missouri.”

Food pantries play a vital role in supporting community members facing hunger, but they often struggle to provide sufficient high-quality protein. Hogs for Hunger aims to bridge this gap by connecting local hog producers, integrators and contract growers with local meat processors to efficiently route hogs for processing and donation.

“We believe Hogs for Hunger will make a significant impact on our neighbors facing food insecurity,” Denise Damron with United Way of the Mark Twain Area said. “This program takes an innovative approach to utilize resources right here in our community to provide much-needed protein to those who need it most.”

The program is designed to be both convenient and cost-effective for all participants. Producers connect directly with a local meat processor to schedule hogs to be butchered. The butcher shop then works directly with local food pantries to communicate when pork is available for pantries to distribute.

“Our goal is to build stronger relationships between local growers, processors and food pantries,” Ashley McCarty with Missouri Farmers Care said. “Hogs for Hunger represents a unique opportunity to turn hogs into hope for our neighbors in need, utilizing local agricultural resources to meet critical community needs.”

Producers, processors or pantries wishing to participate in Hogs for Hunger should reach out to Damron at United Way of the Mark Twain Area at 573-221-2761 or director@unitedwaymta.org.

Missouri Farmers Care works to ensure Missourians understand the truth about modern agriculture, food production and farm life and their connection to Missouri’s food security, economy and social well-being. The organization works to promote the continued growth of Missouri agriculture and rural communities through coordinated communication, education and advocacy.

The Missouri Pork Association works to enhance and optimize opportunities while eliminating or minimizing barriers for the success of Missouri pork producers and other industry stakeholders.