Iowa’s pig farmers have always been generous in coming to the aid of the less fortunate and that was the case again this morning in downtown Des Moines.
To celebrate “Giving Tuesday,” several pork chop and bacon farmers gathered at Central Iowa Shelter and Services to help prepare and serve a breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes and more for around 250 clients of the shelter.
Prior to serving the breakfast, Iowa Pork Producers Association President Curtis Meier of Clarinda addressed the gathering.
“We’re here today because community is something that we value, not only as an organization but as an industry,” Meier said. “Pig farmers across the country share six ethical principles. Five of them are production related, but the 6th ethical principle is without question to contribute to a better quality of life in the communities we call home.”
From volunteering at community events to providing pork to a local fundraiser, being good neighbors has always been a part of what makes pig farmers who they are.
“The pork we raise here in Iowa feeds people all over the world, but it’s important that we help feed those in our own communities who need it,” said Meier.
IPPA partnered with the National Pork Board on the event as part of its Hams Across America campaign to not only recognize pork giving during the holiday season, but also to encourage giving throughout the whole year.
IPPA and National Pork Board staff were joined by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, Deputy Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig, Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert and several other volunteers in serving the breakfast.
Each shelter client also received pink pig string backpacks filled with gloves, socks, stocking hats, chap stick and a pork stick from IPPA and the National Pork Board.
“Giving Tuesday” refers to the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and is a movement to create an international day of giving at the beginning of the Christmas and holiday season. Giving Tuesday was started in 2012.
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