Wisconsin Pork Association and Wisconsin Ag Department Creating "Passion for Pork" Program
Monday, May 4th, 2020 -- 9:02 AM
(Wisconsin Ag Connection) -The Wisconsin Pork Association is working with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture in establishing a new program connecting Wisconsin pork producers to local meat processors, consumers and people experiencing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.As part of its new 'Passion for Pork,' the groups are connecting pig farmers with smaller, local meat processors who are extending their hours of operation to process and package the pork to help meet the growing demand for food bank and food pantry resources. Wisconsin food banks are getting the pork into the hands of those in need. "Due to current market challenges and supply chain disruptions brought on by COVID-19, the Wisconsin Pork Association is pleased to partner with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and local meat processors to create a new destination for pork that might otherwise go to waste," said WPA Executive Vice President Keri Retallick. "The program is a win-win for pork producers, processors and consumers alike."
State Interim Ag Secretary Randy Romanski says the effort is another example of the positive impact people can have when the dots between Wisconsin producers, processors and consumers are connected. The program kicked off last week with the delivery of 60 hogs for harvest to People's Meat Market in Stevens Point. The whole hog carcass is then broken down into smaller portions for further processing and packaging at Windsor-based Neesvig's Meats. Retallick says WPA is currently accepting donations from the public to support the continued operation of this program.
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