Hogs for Hunger Program to Provide Locally Produced Pork to Northeast Missouri Food Pantries
NORTHEAST MISSOURI – A new collaborative initiative, Hogs for Hunger, is set to tackle food insecurity in Northeast Missouri by supplying area food pantries with locally produced pork. This innovative program is a partnership between Missouri Farmers Care, the Missouri Pork Association, and United Way of the Mark Twain Area.
Both Missouri Farmers Care and United Way of the Mark Twain Area have overseen efforts to get more locally donated pork into pantries. However, by teaming up with the Missouri Pork Association, the organizations are creating a larger scale, streamlined process to increase the efficiency and outcomes of their efforts.
“Missouri pork producers have a long history of giving back to their communities, and Hogs for Hunger offers a convenient avenue to continue that tradition,” said Scott Hays, Executive Director of the Missouri Pork Association. “We hope our producers will enthusiastically participate in this program, helping us get high quality, nutritious pork to our neighbors in need right here in Northeast Missouri.”
Food pantries play a vital role in supporting community members facing hunger, but often struggle to provide sufficient high-quality protein. Hogs for Hunger aims to bridge this gap by connecting local hog producers, integrators, and contract growers with local meat processors to efficiently route hogs for processing and donation.
“We believe Hogs for Hunger will make a significant impact on our neighbors facing food insecurity,” said Denise Damron with United Way of the Mark Twain Area. “This program takes an innovative approach to utilize resources right here in our community to provide much-needed protein to those who need it most.”
The program is designed to be both convenient and cost-effective for all participants. Producers connect directly with a local meat processor to schedule hogs to be butchered. The butcher shop then works directly with local food pantries to communicate when pork is available for pantries to be able to distribute the pork.
“Our goal is to build stronger relationships between local growers, processors, and food pantries,” said Ashley McCarty with Missouri Farmers Care. “Hogs for Hunger represents a unique opportunity to turn hogs into hope for our neighbors in need – utilizing local agricultural resources to meet critical community needs.”
Producers, processors or pantries wishing to participate in Hogs for Hunger should reach out to Denise Dameron at United Way of the Mark Twain Area at 573-221-2761 or director@unitedwaymta.org.
About Missouri Farmers Care: Missouri Farmers Care works to ensure Missourians understand the truth about modern agriculture, food production and farm life and their connection to Missouri’s food security, economy and social well-being. The organization works to promote the continued growth of Missouri agriculture and rural communities through coordinated communication, education and advocacy.
About Missouri Pork Association: The Missouri Pork Association works to enhance and optimize opportunities while eliminating or minimizing barriers for the success of Missouri pork producers and other industry stakeholders.
About United Way of the Mark Twain Area: The United Way of the Mark Twain Area works towards the mission, “to increase the capacity of people to care for one another.” This is done by creating opportunities for individuals to give of their time, talents, and treasures to local organizations that work to empower all individuals to achieve their potential.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2, 2025
Contact:Missouri Farmers Care – Ashley McCarty, ashley@mofarmerscare.com
United Way of the Mark Twain Area – Denise Damron, director@unitedwaymta.org