#HamsAcrossAmerica campaign kicks off in Iowa

The first of many giving events that are part of the Hams Across America campaign took place recently in Des Moines. A breakfast that includes sausage and bacon was served to clients of Central Iowa Shelter and Services. Members and staff of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, along with Fareway Stores, Inc., sponsored and served the breakfast. They were joined in that work by staff of the National Pork Board and National Pork Producers Council.

Central Iowa Shelter & Services provides meals and support services at no cost to adults experiencing homelessness.

Each year the Hams Across America promotes charitable giving and pay-it-forward actions. Many county pork producer groups in Iowa will take part in local giving programs during the coming weeks. These events are just part of the diverse ways Iowa pig farmers support their communities throughout the year.

“Iowa pig farmers understand the important role they play in contributing to a better way of life in their communities,” says Trent Thiele, a pig farmer from Elma who is president-elect of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “As pig farmers, our ethical principles are the core of who we are as farmers, and it is important for us not only to talk about them, but to live them out every day,” he says.

Jeff Cook, Fareway vice president of Market Operations, says “At Fareway, we understand the importance of supporting our connected food system, our farmers and our communities; and this campaign does this. Therefore, we are honored to work with Iowa’s pig farmers in their Hams Across America effort.”

Pig farmers and those involved in the pork industry are encouraged to extend the Hams Across America campaign in their local communities. Participants can then share their pay-it-forward stories on social media using #HamsAcrossAmerica in their posts.