Eastern Iowans are receiving fresh, wholesome, Iowa-grown pork from their food pantries thanks to a joint project of the Jones County Pork Producers and Hawkeye Area Community Action Program.

Jones County farmers are donating fresh pork to local food banks this summer, one of many projects across the state inspired by Iowa Pork Producers Association’s Pork in the Pantry effort.

However, the Jones County project is unique. It started at the Jones County Fair in Monticello. Like most county fairs, youth swine exhibitors have the opportunity to sell their livestock at the fair auction at or near market price. They recoup their investment and learn the economics of pork production.

Many of the buyers are businesses and organizations wanting to contribute but don’t necessarily need the processed meat for personal use. Fair sale organizers began to realize they could attract more buyers if they had an outlet for the animals.

That’s when the Jones County Pork Producers stepped in. They offered to purchase the animals from the fair auction and pay for the processing, with the meat going to the local food pantry. 

In 2024, they bought 13 pigs and donated 1,791 pounds of pork, outgrowing the storage and distribution capacity of the local food pantry.

By partnering with Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP), an eastern Iowa food bank network, they were able to expand the reach. 

“This project has impacted thousands of our neighbors in need,” says Aron Brecht, HACAP Food Reservoir director. “Protein is such a high need item, and our food bank has trouble sourcing enough to provide the amount that meets the need.”

HACAP Food Reservoir's service area includes seven counties in eastern Iowa and over 53,000 individuals who struggle to find where their next meal is coming from at some point throughout the year. Over 16,000 of those clients are children.

“In Jones County specifically, that is 2,450 of our neighbors overall with 770 being children,” says Brecht. “The Iowa Pork Producers have been friends to food banks, food pantries and the charitable food system at large for a long time. This project has impacted thousands of our neighbors in need.”

Through donations at its annual Celebration of Ag event in Cedar Rapids, HACAP is able to pay for the pork processing, as well as the distribution. 

By 2025, the number of pigs raised through the program had increased to 28, providing 4,905 pounds of fresh pork, a record for a one-time donation to HACAP.

The Jones County Pork Producers began to worry about the cash outlay, but the concern was unnecessary. Many of the auction buyers at the fair offered to donate the pigs they had purchased.

“Auction buyers are excited about the program, and 75% of the buyers that sent their pigs to the HACAP program in 2025 offered to donate the entire purchase and did not request a reimbursement,” says Hilary Hogan, a Jones County farmer. “Local businesses are able to support swine exhibitors at the fair auction, and the Jones County Pork Producers is able to help with this connection to HACAP that provides wholesome, nutritious, local protein to provide to the families they serve.”

The program isn't just a benefit to HACAP consumers; it fits the Jones County Pork Producers' mission as well. The group is charged with encouraging people to eat more pork and to bridge the consumer/producer communication gap. It also works to encourage young people to explore pork production.


“This partnership has been a great program that shows 4-H/FFA members the impact they can make with their livestock projects in their home communities,” says Hogan. “It has shown youth that their projects are bigger than just an animal to exhibit. They're caring for an animal that will go on to serve the community by providing fresh pork to families in need.”

Landri and Quinn Hansen are two of those kids. They appreciate being able to help their community by raising pork that gives something back.

“It feels good to be able to be involved,” says Landri. “It feels good to know we’re helping someone, and it makes the community stronger and closer by helping and doing something that’s not just for yourself.”

She hopes the effort helps people gain more understanding of how meat gets to their table and that those who need it take comfort in knowing the support they’re getting comes from their own community.

Their father, Travis Hansen, says there is no doubt the consumers are getting the “best of the best” from animals that are lovingly cared for.

“I’m glad we are able to take care of our pigs so they are good to sell,” says Quinn, “and glad we can give something back.”

“Every effort, every piece and every person matters when it comes to building stronger communities,” says Brecht. “We are thrilled to work with our local pork producers, and food banks have been fielding interest from across the state to replicate this program that is truly a shining example of how communities can band together to support their most vulnerable in their time of need.”

As more kids become involved, Hogan and the Johnson County Pork Producers see the benefits of introducing them to pork production and giving them the chance to help others, along with helping the consumers understand where their meat comes from and how it is raised.

“We are proud to represent the pork industry and show our communities that we care,” says Hogan.


Queck-Matzie is a freelance writer from Fontanelle.