Landus Cooperative announced last week a $20,000 donation to support the Iowa Food Bank Association and the new “Pass the Pork” program to connect Iowa pig farmers with food insecure Iowans.
Through “Pass the Pork,” Iowa pork producers are donating pigs to the Iowa Food Bank Association and other food bank programs. However, there are costs associated with the processing, storage, and delivery of the pork to food banks and pantries. By utilizing matching funds through the Land O’ Lakes Foundation, Landus is able to increase the amount given to assist with these costs.
“Landus is proud to support families in our communities and Iowa’s farmers at the same time. We touch the entire food supply chain and recognize the increase in demand at food banks and the producers’ concerns on where to take the hogs because of COVID-19,” said Matt Carstens, CEO at Landus. “This is one way for us to show our commitment to Iowa’s pork producers and our commitment to providing a quality food supply for families in Iowa.”
Once the pork is received, the Iowa Food Bank Association is getting the food resources into the hands of Iowa families across the state who are in need.
“On behalf of our farmer-members and customers during this time of uncertainty in the marketplace, we are pleased that Landus is supporting the Iowa Food Bank Association and ‘Pass the Pork’ to get local swine products processed to meet the growing demands by our communities and families in need,” said Gowrie, Iowa-area crop and livestock farmer and president of the board, Jim Carlson.
