EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Indiana Pork is helping address food insecurity in Vanderburgh County with a $5,000 ground pork donation expected to provide approximately 12,000 meals to families in need.
The donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry will provide nearly 3,000 pounds of ground pork, giving the organization an estimated four-month supply of the protein.
The donation began with young people participating in Indiana’s pork industry.
Funding for the donation came through the Certified Indiana Bred program, which recognized top-performing participants in its Skillathon series. Eligible participants were entered into a drawing held during the 4-H pig show at the Indiana State Fair, with the winner receiving the opportunity to direct $5,000 worth of ground pork to a food pantry of their choice.
Casey Schillinger of Vanderburgh County was selected as the winner and chose St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry to receive the pork.
“I chose to donate to St. Vincent de Paul because I know they serve so many people,” Schillinger said. “I would encourage other young people to give back because there are a lot of people facing food insecurity and it’s important we are part of the solution.”
Indiana Pig Farmers Focus on Community Service
For Indiana Pork, the donation also reflects the pork industry’s commitment to supporting the communities where farmers live and work.
“Indiana’s pig farmers care deeply about their communities and are committed to giving back,” said Chad Martin, Director of Strategic Outreach at Indiana Pork. “Our farmers operate under the We Care principles, where one of the pillars is Community Service.”
Martin said Indiana pig farmers recognize the importance of providing families with access to nutritious, high-quality protein and are proud to support organizations working directly with people experiencing food insecurity.
Ground pork provides a versatile protein option that can be incorporated into meals including tacos, spaghetti, casseroles and other family-friendly recipes.
The donation is part of Indiana Pork’s broader efforts to address food insecurity throughout the state. The organization works with Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, statewide and local food pantries, and other hunger-relief organizations to provide pork to families in need.
Food Pantry Reports Growing Need
The donation comes as the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry reports increasing demand for food assistance.
“This donation is an answered prayer,” said Ashley Newell, Executive Director of the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. “Last year we served over 31,000 individuals, which is equal to more than 340 tons of food. We are seeing a 20% increase in the need over last year.”
Newell said the nearly 3,000 pounds of ground pork represents approximately a four-month supply for the pantry and will provide a nutritious addition to the grocery bags distributed to families.
The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry operates four days a week and accepts both food and monetary donations to support its hunger-relief efforts.
Another 4-H Member Steps Up
The Skillathon program also inspired another young participant to give back.
Lane Merrill, a Boone County 4-H member, was eligible for the Skillathon prize but was not selected in the drawing. Merrill nevertheless decided to have his pig processed and donate the pork to the Thorntown Food Pantry.
Through efforts like these, Indiana Pork and young people involved in the state’s swine industry are helping connect pork production, youth agriculture programs and community service while providing thousands of meals to Indiana families.
For more information about Indiana Pork and its community programs, visit Indiana Pork’s official website. Information about the Certified Indiana Bred program is also available through Indiana Pork.
