The first of many giving events that are part of the Hams Across America campaign is taking place in Des Moines on Nov 27. A breakfast that includes sausage and bacon is being served to clients of Central Iowa Shelter and Services. Members and staff of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), along with Fareway Stores, Inc., are sponsoring and serving the breakfast. They are being joined in that work by the staffs of the National Pork Board and National Pork Producers Council.
Central Iowa Shelter & Services provides meals and support services at no cost to adults experiencing homelessness.
Each year the Hams Across America campaign kicks off on Giving Tuesday – the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This nationally recognized day promotes charitable giving and pay-it-forward actions. Hams Across America extends through December 23, and many county pork producer groups in Iowa will take part in local giving programs during the next four weeks. These events are just part of the diverse ways Iowa pig farmers support their communities throughout the year.
“Iowa pig farmers understand the important role they play in contributing to a better way of life in their communities,” says Trent Thiele, a pig farmer from Elma who is president-elect of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “As pig farmers, our We CareSM ethical principles are the core of who we are as farmers, and it is important for us not only to talk about them but to live them out every day,” he says.
Jeff Cook, Fareway Vice President of Market Operations, says “At Fareway, we understand the importance of supporting our connected food system, our farmers, and our communities; and this campaign does this. Therefore, we are honored to work with Iowa’s pig farmers in their Hams Across America effort.”
Pig farmers and those involved in the pork industry are encouraged to extend the Hams Across America campaign in their local communities. Participants can then share their pay-it-forward stories on social media using #HamsAcrossAmerica in their posts.
