Receiving the Pork in the Pantry donation on behalf of Operation Threshold are Brenda Thompson and Gerald Anderson. Presenting the gift on behalf of Grundy Pork are Holly and Emma Fleshner; Sarah, William, and Elsie Rickelman; and Linda Frazer. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

GRUNDY COUNTY – The Grundy County Pork Producers recently donated 160 pounds of pork to two food pantries in Grundy County.

This is the third year for the Pork in the Pantry program. It is sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. One of the goals for the program is to have county organizations coordinate acquiring pork from local grocery stores and providing it to people in need through the local food pantries. Recipes were also included for people to try new dishes with their pork.

“Pig farmers care about our communities,” Linda Frazer, Grundy County Pork Producers, said. “We recognize the role of food pantries to provide people with nutritious and delicious food.”

Operation Threshold, which serves Grundy County, received 40 pork loin roasts. The roasts will be part of Easter Dinner baskets distributed to families in the area. Also included in the baskets will be fresh produce, canned vegetables and cake from the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. Operation Threshold has been serving an average of 45 households or 90 individuals per month.

The Dike Food Pantry is housed in the United Methodist Church, Dike. The Pork in the Pantry program purchased 25 pounds of pork sausage for community members. The pantry serves around 10 families a month from Grundy County. They are open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The pork for both pantries was purchased from Brothers Market in Grundy Center at a discounted rate.