200,000 pounds of poultry donated

INDIANAPOLIS — Poultry producers donated nearly 100 tons, or 200,000 pounds, of poultry products to Hoosiers in need this year.

Some of the products donated include eggs, chicken, duck and turkey. A ceremony was held at the Statehouse to celebrate the donations.

“Indiana’s agriculture industry is making strong economic impacts across the state, nationally and across the globe and that is due in part to Hoosier poultry producers,” said Gov. Eric Holcomb.

“As we enter the holiday season, let us all recognize the contributions Hoosier farmers make in ensuring our plates are full of a variety of nutritious foods and, of course, all of our favorite seasonal treats.”

The poultry industry is a substantial economic driver for the state, contributing more than $12 billion in total economic activity. The sector employs more than 12,000 Hoosiers.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service, Indiana ranks No. 1 in duck production, No. 2 in egg production, No. 4 in turkey production and is home to high quality broiler chicken production, as well.

“Each year I look forward to celebrating and honoring the generosity of our Hoosier poultry producers,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. “There is nothing more heartwarming than Hoosiers helping Hoosiers, especially around the holiday season.”

Over the last 12 months members have contributed over 7 million eggs to their local communities, according to Indiana State Poultry Association President Becky Joniskan.

“I am so grateful to work alongside such exceptional poultry farmers and processors who keep the wholesomeness of their products and their responsibilities to their communities top of mind,” Joniskan said.

Leaders from ISDA also visited Hoosier Hills Food Bank to volunteer and learn about the organization’s community impact.

Hoosier Hills received $43,900 from ISDA’s annual food bank funding. The funds aided the food bank in purchasing about 73,000 pounds of food and provided 61,000 meals in Brown, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange and Owen counties.

According to Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, nearly 1.2 million Hoosiers were food insecure at the height of the pandemic. For children, the risk was even higher with one in every four children being at risk of hunger.

For those interested in giving back, the food bank needs volunteers and is accepting donations.

Donation Wish List

• Financial donations.

• Food donations: canned green beans, sweet potatoes, corn, gravy, dressing/stuffing, cornbread mix, frozen hams and frozen turkeys, beans, dried peppers, canned meat and canned vegetables.

Food donations need to be unopened and within the best-by date. Perishable items, such as fresh produce, turkeys and hams, are also accepted.

“Food banks and pantries rely heavily on volunteers, and I would encourage others to seek opportunities at their local food banks or pantries and lend a helping hand this holiday season,” said Bruce Kettler, Indiana State Department of Agriculture director.