Ohio pig farmers deliver protein to help fight hunger across the state
Pork donations in Cincinnati and Columbus to provide more than 18,000 meals
4 May 2026
3 minute read
By: Ohio’s pig farmers are once again stepping up to support families facing hunger, donating a combined $6,000 to two of the state’s largest food banks to provide nutritious pork to those in need.
Through contributions to the Freestore Foodbank in Greater Cincinnati and the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC) in central Ohio, the Ohio Pork Council is helping expand access to high-quality protein, one of the most in-demand and hardest-to-source items for food banks. Together, the donations are expected to provide the equivalent of more than 18,000 meals to families across Ohio and the surrounding region.
Supporting families in greater Cincinnati
In the tri-state region, Ohio’s pig farmers donated $3,000 to the Freestore Foodbank, helping provide approximately 9,000 meals to families across southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana.
“Demand continues to rise, and support like this is critical to helping us meet the needs of families across our communities,” said Kurt Reiber, CEO of the Freestore Foodbank. “Being able to offer protein, especially pork, goes a long way. It’s something families truly value.”
Protein remains a top priority for families served by the food bank. “When pork is available, it goes quickly,” Reiber said. “It’s something families really need, so being able to put something at the center of the plate makes a real difference.”
The Freestore Foodbank serves 20 counties and supports more than 600 partner pantries and programs across the region.
“We’re proud to support Freestore Foodbank and the important work they do every day,” said Jess Stevens, an Ohio Pork Council and National Pork Board member and pig farmer from Waynesville. “As farmers, we care deeply about making sure families have access to safe, nutritious, and reliable sources of protein. Pork is a versatile, high-quality protein, and we’re honored to help provide something families can put at the center of their table.”
Meeting growing needs in central Ohio
In central Ohio, Ohio’s pig farmers also donated $3,000 to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, which distributes more than 193,000 meals each day across the 20 counties it serves.
“Mid-Ohio Food Collective is incredibly grateful for the continued support and partnership of the Ohio Pork Council,” said Matt Habash, president and CEO. “One of the most requested, and most difficult items for food banks to secure is protein, especially high-quality animal protein. Donations like this play a critical role in helping us meet that need.”
Through its network of more than 600 partner agencies, MOFC works to ensure families have access to nutritious, reliable sources of food across central and eastern Ohio.
“Providing high-quality protein is one of the most meaningful ways we can support families facing hunger,” said Jarred Black, president-elect of the Ohio Pork Council and a pork producer from Canal Winchester. “As pig farmers, we take pride in raising nutritious pork, and it’s important to us that it reaches people who need it most right here in our communities.”
A statewide commitment to fighting hunger
These efforts are the latest installment as part of the Ohio Pork Council’s Pork Power initiative that was launched in 2009. The program connects Ohio’s pig farmers with food banks across the state to help fight hunger and improve access to protein-rich foods. An additional $5,000 donation was also made to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank in April.
Guided by the industry’s We Care® ethical principles, Ohio pig farmers are committed to producing wholesome, nutritious, and affordable pork while supporting their communities and helping meet critical food needs.
Freestore Foodbank is a Cincinnati-based organization serving 20 counties covering the areas of Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana. The foodbank distributes 47 million meals annually for low-income individuals and families. Through its 611 supported community partners, the Freestore Foodbank offers support through food kitchens, homeless shelters, emergency food pantries, social service centers, and program sites. The Freestore Foodbank is a member of Feeding America. Learn more at https://freestorefoodbank.org/
Mid-Ohio Food Collective is a Grove City-based organization serving 20 counties covering nearly 10,000 square miles. It provides more than 193,000 meals each day for hungry people in central and eastern Ohio. Learn more at https://mofc.org/
The Ohio Pork Council was established in 1968, beginning with nearly 800 pig farmers dedicated to the task of promoting their own product. Currently, OPC has approximately 2,500 members. Their mission is to serve and benefit all Ohio pork producers. To learn more about the Ohio Pork Council, visit www.OhioPork.org.
