Release Date: May
1, 2020
Media Contacts:
Keri Retallick, Wisconsin Pork Association Executive Vice President, (608) 778-7250
Rick Hummell,
DATCP Public Information Officer, (608) 224-5041
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MADISON – The Wisconsin Pork Association (WPA) and the Wisconsin
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) have joined
forces to start a new program connecting Wisconsin pork producers to local meat
processors, consumers and the growing number of people experiencing food
insecurity during COVID-19.
Through the program, called “Passion for Pork,” WPA and
DATCP are connecting Wisconsin pork producers 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 Keri
Retallick, WPA executive vice president. “The program is a win-win for pork
producers, processors and consumers alike.”
“We are glad to join with the Wisconsin Pork
Association to help them get Wisconsin pork to consumers in need,” said DATCP
Interim Secretary Randy Romanski. “This is another great example of the
positive impact we can have when we connect the dots between Wisconsin
producers, processors and consumers.”
The program kicked
off earlier this week with the delivery of 60 hogs for harvest to People’s Meat
Market, a local meat processor and program member 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, another program member. Along
with shipping the processed pork to food banks and food pantries, the local
meat processors also sell the pork at their retail stores. Additionally,
Neesvig’s hopes to offer pick up of various products at several different sites
including their processing plant in Windsor in the next few weeks.
The hogs
for “Passion for Pork” are being supplied by Wisconsin pig farmers, however,
there are significant costs associated with the processing, storage, and
delivery of the pork to food banks and pantries. WPA is currently accepting
donations from the public to support the continued operation of this program.
(In compliance with Wisconsin law, DATCP is neither soliciting nor accepting
contributions on behalf of WPA.)
Donations to the Passion for Pork can be mailed to:
Passion for Pork
c/o Peoples State Bank
P.O. Box 218
Bloomington, WI 53804
Or electronically at https://donorbox.org/passion-for-pork.
Wisconsin pig farmers
and meat processors interested in participating in the program should email the
Wisconsin Pork Association: wppa@wppa.org
Processing will
continue for as long as processing capacity and funds remain. DATCP will
continue to work with WPA and other agricultural groups to find ways to get
Wisconsin commodities to consumers in need.
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