Bringing Hoosier Hogs to Homes: Rebranded program fills food pantries with pork

INDIANAPOLIS — Formerly called the Million Meals program, the rebranded Hoosier Hogs to Homes program is on a mission to fill Indiana food pantries with ground pork.

The program is a partnership between Feeding Indiana’s Hungry and Indiana Pork. Since 2009, Indiana pig farmers have donated more than 1.6 million ground pork meals to Hoosiers through this partnership.

“One of our We Care principles, the standards that guide our pig farmers in their day-to-day operation, is to serve our community in meaningful ways,” said Jeanette Merritt, Indiana Pork’s director of communication.

“By transitioning to Hoosier Hogs to Homes, we’re continuing our commitment to providing ground pork to food pantries across the state.”

Protein is difficult for struggling families to afford, and the ground pork fulfills an important dietary component, according to Emily Weikert Bryant, executive director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry.

“We are so thankful to Indiana’s pig farmers for their generosity toward continuing this program,” she said.

Farmers, community members and businesses are encouraged to join the Hoosier Hogs to Homes effort through monetary donations or donations of ground pork to your favorite food pantry.

For more information on the program’s transformation and ways to get involved, visit IndianaPork.org.