By TIM ALEXANDER
Illinois Correspondent

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — As the season of giving is upon us, the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is already a leg up on most givers. Make that about 10,150 pork chops and $7,500 ahead.

Because harvest is marked by a race against time for farmers, they often can’t find time to stop for proper nourishment. With that in mind, for the fifth year IPPA partnered with Farm Credit Services of Illinois, 1st Farm Credit Services and others to sponsor their free “Harvest Feeds” program at grain elevators around the state.

During the promotion, volunteers from county pork producer groups, county farm bureaus and local Farm Credit Services offices cooked and served a record-breaking number of pork sandwiches to hungry farmers delivering grain at 70 Illinois elevators during
harvest.

“Grain and livestock producers are part of the agricultural cycle that feeds the world and strengthens the economy here in Illinois,” said Jim Kaitschuk, IPPA executive director. “Working together and supporting each other just comes naturally.”

In addition, on Dec. 9, IPPA presented the Midwest Food Bank, a food pantry serving over 100,000 people per month, with a check for $7,500 as part of their Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Illinois campaign. The donation was made in partnership with the Illinois Corn Marketing Board and the Illinois Soybean Association to support continued processing of hogs donated for the program by Illinois pork producers.

“Illinois pork producers are pleased to have these opportunities to show our support and dedication to communities in which we live and operate, especially during harvest and the holiday season,” said IPPA spokesperson Tim Maiers. “These are examples of how (IPPA) works alongside other groups and organizations to help others.”

IPPA initiated the Pork Power program earlier this year with the goal of donating 100,000 pounds of pork to food banks throughout Illinois – a goal the organizations have met.

The Midwest Food Bank began by serving about ten food pantries in McLean County but has grown to serve over 500 organizations throughout the Midwest.