Indiana Pork and Indiana Beef Donate Food to Flood Recovery Efforts
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Indiana Pork and the Indiana Beef Council have joined forces to support Hoosiers recovering from devastating flooding across central Indiana by donating food remaining after the Indiana State Fair to the Smoking Pastor Project.
The agricultural organizations donated boneless pork chops, pork burgers and hot dogs that will be prepared and served in communities affected by the recent flooding.
“After the State Fair, we knew we had an opportunity to put this food to good use and help families who are facing an incredibly difficult time,” said Jeanette Merritt, director of communications for Indiana Pork. “Indiana’s farmers have a long history of stepping up when their neighbors need them, and we’re grateful the Smoking Pastor Project can turn these pork and beef products into hot meals for people who need them right now.”
Livestock Farmers Support Their Indiana Neighbors
Brian Shuter, executive director of the Indiana Beef Council, said the partnership is a natural extension of the commitment Indiana’s livestock farmers have to their neighbors and communities.
“Indiana’s beef and pork producers are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, and when our fellow Hoosiers are facing difficult circumstances, we want to help,” Shuter said. “We’re proud to partner with Indiana Pork and the Smoking Pastor Project to make sure this food is put to good use providing meals and support to families and volunteers in the affected communities.”
The Smoking Pastor Project responds to communities in times of disaster and need by using barbecue to provide meals, encouragement and support. Following the flooding in central Indiana, the organization has been feeding residents, volunteers, first responders and others involved in recovery efforts.
By combining their resources, Indiana Pork and the Indiana Beef Council helped ensure quality food remaining after the State Fair went directly to fellow Hoosiers in need.
Chef Jordan Davis, founder of the Smoking Pastor Project, said donations like these allow the organization to expand its outreach and serve more people.
“We are paying for everything that we serve the public,” Davis said. “So, getting donations like these allows us to feed more people who have been struck by the floods.”
The donation reflects the ongoing commitment of Indiana’s livestock farmers to supporting their communities—not only through the food they produce, but also through partnerships that place that food into the hands of families, first responders and volunteers when it is needed most.
About Indiana Pork
Indiana Pork represents and supports Indiana’s pork farmers while promoting pork, advocating for the state’s pork industry and educating consumers about modern pork production.
About the Indiana Beef Council
The Indiana Beef Council works to promote beef, educate consumers and support product development for the beef industry.
About the Smoking Pastor Project
The Smoking Pastor Project uses food and barbecue to serve communities during times of disaster and need. The organization provides freshly prepared meals to families, volunteers, first responders and others affected by challenging circumstances.
Learn more at www.smokingpastorproject.com.