It’s time to celebrate community.

On Wednesday, March 31, the Marshalltown community was the focus of a “Thank You” celebration from Iowa’s pig farmers for the support shown to those who work in bringing food from farm to table.

“Lifting spirits on challenging days and providing inspiration to help others clear the hurdles in front of them are ways you have touched the hearts of farmers,” said local pork producer Blake Edler. Edler is involved in a three-generation crop and livestock farm near State Center. “The way you make people feel matters. And the Marshalltown community showed up to support every segment of the food supply chain – farmers, plant workers, and those working in grocery stores and restaurants. Thank you.”

As part of their “Thank You” celebration, the Iowa pork producers donated $500 and pork product to three Marshalltown food pantries: The Salvation Army, the House of Compassion, and the Emergency Food Box. The donation helps each group continue its work to alleviate hunger. The pork producers also provided pork coupons at local Fareway and Hy-Vee stores for consumers to use, and pork thank-you baskets to local first responders.

The day wrapped up with a giveaway of more than 1,000 5-pound pork loins to Marshalltown-area residents. That giveaway equals more than 20,000 meals or servings of pork. This took place in a drive-through event at a city parking lot on West Church Street. The pork loins were made available through the assistance of JBS.

Todd Carl, plant manager at JBS in Marshalltown, said JBS was joining in saying “thank you” to the city. “JBS has been here in Marshalltown 132 years. Our participation in the community is important, as is their support of us. With our 2,400 employees we produce pork to feed 80 million people around the world each week. That’s a huge responsibility, and we want to thank Marshalltown for your support,” he said.

The past 12 months have reminded us about the importance of community when times are challenging and uncertain. Uncertainty and challenges are still ahead. “It matters that we all work together in keeping people safe as our work continues to feed your families, neighbors, and others,” Edler said.

IPPA will hold similar Thank You events in Denison, Ottumwa, Sioux City and Storm Lake. A Thank You event was also held in Waterloo on March 23.