'Tis the Season for Giving

BY KATIE JOHNSON

For the 360,000 Iowans who struggle with hunger — 1 in 6 being children according to Feeding America — the trade war impacting soybean and hog producers this growing season came with a silver lining.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) trade mitigation program includes a food purchase and distribution component. Up to $1.2 billion in commodities unfairly targeted by retaliatory tariffs will be distributed through nutrition assistance programs. Nearly $559 million of that amount is allocated for pork.

This means Iowans who struggle with hunger will see a large amount of pork donations at their local food pantries.

“We need stable movement in pork supply in order to have a consistent demand for U.S. soybean meal,” says Grant Kimberley, director of market development at the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA). A reliable, domestic demand for soybeans is more critical than ever for sustained profitability.

“From an international, national and most importantly,

Iowa, perspective, continued stabilization in the pork industry helps the soybean market,” Kimberley continues. “Twenty-five percent of all U.S. soybean meal is fed to hogs. When you consider Iowa produces more hogs than any other state, the important of that relationship becomes clear.”

Iowa’s status as the nation’s leading pork producer depends on soybean farmers. According to the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) the average pig consumes nearly 2.5 bushels of soybeans in their lifetime.

“We move a million pounds of food through our warehouse each month,” says Emily Shearer, food acquisition program manager at the Food Bank of Iowa. “We are fortunate to receive this pork and distribute it to those who need assistance.”

The Food Bank of Iowa serves 55 of Iowa’s 99 counties with Shearer serving as the coordinator for these trade mitigation offers for seven Iowa food banks.

While details are still being worked out for the donations, Shearer says the influx of pork donations creates some challenges for the warehouse and their partners.

“Storage is always a big issue,” says Shearer. “A lot of our partner agencies have refrigerators and freezers that are residential size. The food bank has a giant freezer, but it’s not always easy for the partner agencies to handle. There aren’t any additional funds on the administrative side of these donations.”

Joyce Hoppes, director of marketing at the IPPA says they are offering help where they can.

“This is the largest pork donation ever,” says Hoppes. “We’re excited this donation will provide Iowans in need with nutritious meals throughout this next year.

“We understand this donation will be a major undertaking for our food banks and food pantries, especially the storage and transportation,” Hoppes continues. “The IPPA has had discussions with the Iowa Food Bank Association as to where we can provide assistance both at the state and local levels.”

While Hoppes agrees these donations are a positive for Iowans in need, she says the best way to continue assisting others is through a healthy agricultural economy.

Story County ISA member and hog producer, Dave Struthers, feels the same.

“With the impact of tariffs being felt by both pork and soybean producers, it’s important that the administration does something to try to assist us,” says Struthers. “Pork producers always appreciate our products being distributed. A program like this benefits all involved.”

While this amount in pork donations to food pantries is unprecedented, pork donations have filled proverbial Christmas stockings in the form of meals for quite a while. Hoppes says the pork industry nationwide donated 2.4 million pounds of pork last year.

“What’s special about pork is that

it is versatile. A large family can make it stretch into several meals— especially a pork loin roast or ham,” says Jen Sorenson, communications director at Iowa Select Farms. “That’s good for a family who can’t afford to splurge on a protein source. You can prepare pork with minimal prep materials and end up with a great meal.”

With Iowans across the state coming together for those in need, additional volunteers are always appreciated.

An Iowa Select Farms employee gives a pork loin to a driver during Operation Christmas Meal last year at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation have provided over 500,000 Christmas meals to Iowa families over the seven years of hosting Operation Christmas Meal.

Those wanting to assist food pantries and other nutrition programs can contact their local USDA office to learn more.