In northeast Ohio, one in seven individuals faces food insecurity—a challenge the Greater Cleveland Food Bank is dedicated to addressing. Access to nutritious, high-quality protein is particularly crucial for those in need, making the annual contributions from Ohio’s pig farmers through the Pork Power program invaluable.
This year, the Ohio Pork Council has donated $3,000 to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to support the purchase of sustainably raised, nutrient-rich pork. “I can’t stress enough how important these donations are to ensure we’re getting food to those who need it most,” said Karen Pozna, the food bank’s director of communications and events. “The need is still greater than ever.”
In 2023, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank served over 400,000 people and distributed nearly 52 million pounds of food across Ashland, Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Richland counties. Notably, 100,000 of these individuals sought help from the food bank for the first time.
“For us as pig farmers, we understand the vital role that pork can play in a balanced diet and want to ensure our products are accessible to everyone, especially the food insecure,” said Dave Shoup, DVM, a producer and past president of the Ohio Pork Council. “In these tough economic times, donations for meat protein are especially critical for those seeking their next meal.”
Beyond food distribution, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank assists individuals in signing up for SNAP benefits and other resources to support their dietary and living needs. “Often, if someone needs food, that’s just one of the problems they are facing,” Pozna explained. “We strive to connect them to healthcare, employment, education, and more.”
The Ohio Pork Council’s Pork Power initiative reflects the ethical principles of the pork industry, upheld by Ohio pig farmers who produce nutritious, high-quality protein while employing sustainable practices. Through these efforts, the state’s farmers contribute to environmental protection and provide essential support to those in need.