IOWA – County pork organizations across the state stepped up in a big way this year for the Pork in the Pantry program. A total of 47 county organizations, including Grundy County Pork Producers, participated in the program, donating more than 18,000 pounds of pork, totaling almost 75,000 servings to help fight food insecurity in Iowa.

“We are deeply grateful to the Iowa Pork Producers and the 47 county pork organization participating in Pork in the Pantry for the remarkable donations distributed to food pantries and food banks across Iowa,” Linda Gorkow, executive director of the Iowa Food Bank Association, said. “This generous contribution will make a meaningful difference for families and individuals facing food insecurity across the state. Their commitment to nourishing our communities reflets the very best of Iowa values -compassion, generosity and neighborly care.”

Organized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Pork in the Pantry offers up to $1,000 in funding per county pork producer organization to purchase and donate pork to local food pantries. Counties handle the purchasing and donations, and IPPA reimburses them, making it easy to give back. Some counties provided more than $1,000 worth of pork, covering their own costs for the additional donations. Local businesses assisted with donations as well.

This is the third year of the Pork in the Pantry program, and this year’s effort smashed previous records for participation from counties and the amounts of pork donated.

“Hunger is a heartbreaking reality for too many Iowans, and we hope these donations to local food pantries bring some relief to families in need,” Linda Schroeder, a pig farmer from Plymouth County and co-chair of IPPA’s promotions committee, said. “As pork producers, we’re not just raising food — we’re caring for our neighbors. Supporting our communities is at the heart of everything we do.”

Not only does Pork in the Pantry help those in need, but county organizations also source their pork locally, supporting both food pantries and local businesses. Food banks frequently run low on meat products, so this program ensures that food-insecure Iowans receive much-needed, high-quality protein.

Here are the numbers from 2025 Pork in the Pantry:

-47 county pork organizations participated

-$48,378.01 spent

-18,383.82 pounds of pork donated

-At 4 servings per pound, we are looking at 73,535.28 servings donated!