JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Over the last two years Missouri agriculture has banded together with Feeding Missouri, the state’s network of food banks, to provide protein for food insecure Missourians. The effort, Hogs for Hunger, is a component of the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation’s (MFCF) Drive to Feed Kids. Pig farmers and 4-H/FFA swine exhibitors statewide are again invited to partner to address hunger in their communities.
Hogs for Hunger launched in 2020 to provide high-quality protein to families in need. One pig feeds 525 people, helping in the fight to alleviate food insecurity faced by one in seven Missouri children. Collaborating last year, partners in Hogs for Hunger provided 946,207 servings of high-quality protein. Through Hogs for Hunger, Missouri pig farmers and 4-H/FFA swine exhibitors have an opportunity to change the lives of neighbors, friends and classmates who don’t have enough to eat.
“Providing nutritious protein to neighbors in need is an ongoing challenge for Missouri’s food banks and pantries,” said Scott Baker, executive director of Feeding Missouri. “Hogs for Hunger is a great way to leverage a resource grown right here in our state. Every commitment makes a big impact.”
Pig farmers and Missouri 4-H/FFA swine exhibitors are invited to join the Hogs for Hunger effort in one of two ways: through local processing and donation or during the Missouri State Fair. This year, Feeding Missouri will provide reimbursement of $0.80 per pound live weight for hogs committed to the program. In addition, MFCF will reimburse out of pocket costs up to $125 for processing of committed pigs.
“For years, Missouri agriculture has raised awareness of needs and gathered resources to help close the gap for our neighbors facing food insecurity,” said Ashley McCarty, executive director of Missouri Farmers Care Foundation. “Pig farmers and 4-H/FFA swine exhibitors continue to make a positive impact through their generosity.”
For pigs processed and donated in local communities, farmers or exhibitors should book processing spots at USDA or state-inspected lockers. To complete the local commitment, pig farmers and exhibitors coordinate with and deliver pork to the Feeding Missouri food bank of choice. A directory of Missouri and USDA inspected meat processors and Missouri’s six food banks can be found at www.MoFarmersCare.com/drive. Upon delivery, the invoice for the live weight of the pig, invoice for pork processing and the receipt of donation from the Feeding Missouri food pantry can be submitted to info@mofarmerscare.com.
4-H and FFA swine exhibitors also have the option to commit pigs at the Missouri State Fair where up to 50 pigs will be accepted in partnership with the Missouri State Fair Foundation. Exhibitors must indicate their commitment by August 5th at www.MOFarmerscare.com/drive. Pigs will be released early on Saturday, Aug. 13, processed at Kempf’s Custom Butchering, and donated to The Foodbank for Central and Northeast Missouri, which serves 32 Missouri counties.
“It is fulfilling to see the heart of Missouri agriculture expressed by Missouri farmers and youth donating much-needed protein to hungry Missourians,” continued McCarty. “These donations will make a difference in the lives of our neighbors, over 1.1 million Missourians facing food insecurity.”
The Missouri Farmers Care Foundation’s Drive to Feed Kids is made possible by presenting sponsors ADM and Brownfield Ag News, American Family Insurance, FCS Financial, MFA Incorporated, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Soybean Association and Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, Feeding Missouri, NutraBlend, Missouri Pork Association, Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Forrest and Charlotte Lucas – Founders of Protect the Harvest, Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners John Deere, Missouri FFA Association, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri State Fair, Missouri 4-H and the contributions of many Missouri farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses.
The Drive to Feed Kids first launched in 2017 with a goal of building collaborative partnerships among non-profit organizations, farmers and agricultural businesses committed to addressing food insecurity in Missouri. Since then, partners in the Drive to Feed Kids have provided over 8,698,000 meals to Feeding Missouri’s network of food banks. Individuals can learn more and support the Drive to Feed Kids at www.MoFarmersCare.com/drive.