NEW ALBANY, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Ohio’s pig farmers are continuing their mission to combat food insecurity by donating a combined $6,000 to two of the state’s largest food banks, ensuring families have access to high-quality protein.
The contributions, made through the Ohio Pork Council, were split between the Freestore Foodbank in Greater Cincinnati and the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC) in central Ohio. The donations are expected to provide the equivalent of more than 18,000 meals.
Protein remains one of the most requested yet difficult items for food banks to source.
“Demand continues to rise, and support like this is critical to helping us meet the needs of families across our communities,” said Kurt Reiber, CEO of the Freestore Foodbank. “Being able to offer protein, especially pork, goes a long way.”
The $3,000 donation to the Freestore Foodbank will provide approximately 9,000 meals across southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana. Similarly, the $3,000 gift to MOFC supports a network that distributes more than 193,000 meals daily across 20 counties in central and eastern Ohio.
“As pig farmers, we take pride in raising nutritious pork, and it’s important to us that it reaches people who need it most right here in our communities,” said Jarred Black, president-elect of the Ohio Pork Council and a producer from Canal Winchester.
These efforts are part of the Ohio Pork Council’s “Pork Power” initiative. Launched in 2009, the program connects local farmers with food banks to improve access to nutrient-dense foods. This latest contribution follows a $5,000 donation made to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank in April.
Guided by the industry’s “We Care” ethical principles, Ohio’s 2,500 pork producers remain committed to supporting their neighbors and producing affordable, wholesome food for the region.