May 22, 2025

Jess Stevens, pork producer from Waynesville, Ohio (second from left) presented a check for $5,000 of pork on behalf of Ohio’s pig farmers for the Freestore Foodbank. The funds will be used to distribute pork throughout the 20 county region the nonprofit serves.

CINCINNATI, OHIO – In the 20 counties across Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana served by the Freestore Foodbank and its partnering agencies, more than 47 million meals are distributed each year. With the goal of providing emergency food distribution, the Freestore Foodbank looks to address the issue of poverty and food insecurity. To support this community-based nonprofit, the Ohio Pork Council, on behalf of Ohio’s pig farmers, has donated $5,000 in nutritious, high-quality, protein-filled pork as a part of their annual Pork Power program.

“This donation, it’s not only a partnership that we have with the Ohio Pork Council, but also the outreach that it allows us to provide,” said Kurt Reiber, Freestore Foodbank president and CEO.

This donation demonstrates how Ohio pig farmers continue to give back to communities, remove barriers for those in need and provide essential protein for a balanced diet. The pork purchased will aid individuals at risk of hunger and help Freestore Foodbank’s 611 partner agencies to provide healthy, sustainable food to their clients.

“Protein is critically important to diets, especially for low income individuals that really need to make sure they are watching every meal for their nutritional value,” said Jess Stevens, OPC board member, National Pork Board member and Pig Farmer from Waynesville, Ohio.

Under the We Care ethical principles, Ohio pork producers are focusing their efforts on producing wholesome, nutritious, sustainable and affordable pork for consumers every day. These core values are highlighted and explained much more at www.ohpork.org.

“When you think about Ohio pork and the protein it provides to the families that we are serving, it really goes a long way to making a difference,” said Reiber.

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About Freestore Foodbank

The Cincinnati-based organization serves 20 counties covering the areas of Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana. The foodbank distributes 47 million meals annually for low-income individuals and families. Through its 611 supported community partners, the Freestore Foodbank offers support through food kitchens, homeless shelters, emergency food pantries, social service centers and program sites. Its mission is to respond to the issue of poverty and food insecurity while also providing services aimed at creating self-reliance. The Freestore Foodbank is a member of Feeding America. Learn more at https://freestorefoodbank.org/

About the Ohio Pork Council

The Ohio Pork Council was established in 1968, beginning with nearly 800 pig farmers dedicated to the task of promoting their own product. Currently, OPC has approximately 2,500 members. Their mission is to serve and benefit all Ohio pork producers. To learn more about the Ohio Pork Council, visit www.OhioPork.org or call 614-882-5887.