September 2011 - Iowa Pork Producers Association
September 2011 - Iowa Pork Producers Association
September 2011 - Iowa Pork Producers Association
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<strong>Iowa</strong>ns join together to celebrate<br />
farming, help the hungry<br />
Nearly 2,000 <strong>Iowa</strong>ns gathered in Ames in July for a<br />
“Together We CAN!” cookout to learn more about<br />
farming, visit with farmers and help those who don’t<br />
have enough to eat.<br />
The event, hosted by the <strong>Iowa</strong> Food & Family Project<br />
in partnership with the <strong>Iowa</strong> Sports Foundation, was<br />
held in conjunction with Finals Fest and the opening<br />
ceremonies of the Summer <strong>Iowa</strong> Games. More than<br />
1,700 people enjoyed a pork and beef burger dinner,<br />
donated $1,950 to the <strong>Iowa</strong> Food Bank <strong>Association</strong><br />
(IFBA), visited with farmers and engaged in a variety of<br />
activities showcasing the commitment of farm families<br />
to providing healthy and wholesome food for everyone.<br />
Jordan Vernoy, IFBA executive director, estimates that<br />
for every $1 donated, food banks in <strong>Iowa</strong> can distribute<br />
up to $15 worth of food to hungry <strong>Iowa</strong>ns.<br />
“It’s inspiring when <strong>Iowa</strong>ns come together and rally<br />
around the table in support of farming and people who<br />
are food insecure,” he says. “The resources generated<br />
by the cookout will make a tremendous and positive<br />
impact in the lives of those who struggle with hunger.”<br />
“loyalty,” “hogs, pigs and turkeys,” “determination,”<br />
“stewardship” “responsible” and “hard working.”<br />
When encouraged to tell a farmer one thing, Patty<br />
from Boone wrote, “Keep up the good job feeding<br />
the nation,” while Dawn from Ames said, “Your hard<br />
work is admirable and appreciated!”<br />
“Together We CAN!” Cookout sponsors included<br />
the <strong>Iowa</strong> Beef Industry Council, <strong>Iowa</strong> Egg Council,<br />
<strong>Iowa</strong> <strong>Pork</strong> <strong>Producers</strong> <strong>Association</strong>, <strong>Iowa</strong> Soybean<br />
<strong>Association</strong>, <strong>Iowa</strong> Turkey Federation, Midwest Dairy<br />
<strong>Association</strong>, US Bank, United Soybean Board and<br />
<strong>Iowa</strong> Food Bank <strong>Association</strong>.<br />
The <strong>Iowa</strong> Food & Family Project is a purposedriven<br />
initiative dedicated to nurturing positive<br />
and enduring relationships between farmers and<br />
consumers. It serves as presenting sponsor of the<br />
<strong>Iowa</strong> Games and involves more than 20 farm, retail<br />
and food relief organizations.<br />
An analysis by Feeding America estimates that 380,000<br />
<strong>Iowa</strong>ns, or nearly 13 percent of the state’s population,<br />
are food insecure or struggle against hunger. Food<br />
insecure <strong>Iowa</strong>ns miss the equivalent of 167 meals each<br />
year or nearly 56 days with no breakfast, lunch or<br />
dinner.<br />
Nearly 600 “Together We CAN!” cookout attendees<br />
completed registration cards for the chance to win<br />
a variety of prizes. The cards encouraged people of<br />
all ages to ask farmers questions and to share their<br />
thoughts about farming.<br />
The questions cookout attendees posed to farmers<br />
were both insightful and entertaining. When asked<br />
what comes to mind when one thinks of an <strong>Iowa</strong><br />
farmer, their responses included “corn and soybeans,”<br />
The pork table at the <strong>Iowa</strong> FFP “<br />
Together We CAN!” cookout.<br />
SEPTEMBER <strong>2011</strong><br />
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