September 2011 - Iowa Pork Producers Association

Iowans join together to celebrate
farming, help the hungry
Nearly 2,000 Iowans gathered in Ames in July for a
“Together We CAN!” cookout to learn more about
farming, visit with farmers and help those who don’t
have enough to eat.
The event, hosted by the Iowa Food & Family Project
in partnership with the Iowa Sports Foundation, was
held in conjunction with Finals Fest and the opening
ceremonies of the Summer Iowa Games. More than
1,700 people enjoyed a pork and beef burger dinner,
donated $1,950 to the Iowa Food Bank Association
(IFBA), visited with farmers and engaged in a variety of
activities showcasing the commitment of farm families
to providing healthy and wholesome food for everyone.
Jordan Vernoy, IFBA executive director, estimates that
for every $1 donated, food banks in Iowa can distribute
up to $15 worth of food to hungry Iowans.
“It’s inspiring when Iowans come together and rally
around the table in support of farming and people who
are food insecure,” he says. “The resources generated
by the cookout will make a tremendous and positive
impact in the lives of those who struggle with hunger.”
“loyalty,” “hogs, pigs and turkeys,” “determination,”
“stewardship” “responsible” and “hard working.”
When encouraged to tell a farmer one thing, Patty
from Boone wrote, “Keep up the good job feeding
the nation,” while Dawn from Ames said, “Your hard
work is admirable and appreciated!”
“Together We CAN!” Cookout sponsors included
the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Egg Council,
Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean
Association, Iowa Turkey Federation, Midwest Dairy
Association, US Bank, United Soybean Board and
Iowa Food Bank Association.
The Iowa Food & Family Project is a purposedriven
initiative dedicated to nurturing positive
and enduring relationships between farmers and
consumers. It serves as presenting sponsor of the
Iowa Games and involves more than 20 farm, retail
and food relief organizations.
An analysis by Feeding America estimates that 380,000
Iowans, or nearly 13 percent of the state’s population,
are food insecure or struggle against hunger. Food
insecure Iowans miss the equivalent of 167 meals each
year or nearly 56 days with no breakfast, lunch or
dinner.
Nearly 600 “Together We CAN!” cookout attendees
completed registration cards for the chance to win
a variety of prizes. The cards encouraged people of
all ages to ask farmers questions and to share their
thoughts about farming.
The questions cookout attendees posed to farmers
were both insightful and entertaining. When asked
what comes to mind when one thinks of an Iowa
farmer, their responses included “corn and soybeans,”
The pork table at the Iowa FFP “
Together We CAN!” cookout.
SEPTEMBER 2011
17