In the United States, 40 million Americans are food insecure. According to Feeding America, 1 in 8 people struggle with hunger equating to over 360,000 people in Iowa alone. Of those 360,000, almost 116,000 are children.
The Pork Checkoff created the #HamsAcrossAmerica campaign in 2016 to highlight and encourage Pig Farmers and those in the swine industry to give back to their communities by donating hams and other pork products to those in need. Through social media platforms and the #HamsAcrossAmerica hashtag, stories are being shared on how pork producers are paying it forward during the holiday season.
The SGI staff was humbled with the opportunity to participate this year in #HamsAcrossAmerica and donate hams and other non-perishable items to our local food pantries in Cambridge and Huxley, Iowa. We challenge other producers and industry allies to pay it forward not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year!
References:
- “Hunger in Iowa.” Feeding America, www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/iowa.
“What Is Food Insecurity in America?” Hunger and Health, hungerandhealth.feedingamerica.org/understand-food-insecurity/.