October 21, 2025
Ohio pig farmers joined Volunteers of America Cleveland staff to deliver enough pork loin to feed at least 200 military veterans. Pictured (center) Ms. Muhammad and Lachelle Smith of VOA, with Brent and Jess Stevens (and family) of Carroll Creek Farms (left), and Tyler King of AK Farms with Brooklyn Ashcraft of Heimerl Farms (right).
Nutrient-dense pork offers much needed protein to meals
CLEVELAND – Ohio’s family pig farmers are dedicated to producing healthy, nutritious protein for everyone — whether it’s handing out pork samples to football fans on game day as part of their strategic partnership with the Cleveland Browns or donating ready-cooked pork loin to help feed hundreds of military veterans on Cleveland’s eastside.
“We know that protein is one of the most important and often most expensive items for organizations who serve those in need to source today,” said Nathan Schroeder, president of the Ohio Pork Council, who farms with his family in Leipsic, Ohio. “That’s why as Ohio pig farmers we are so proud to help do a small part to help the Volunteers of America organization as they help to ensure that those who served our country receive the wholesome, high-quality meals. The fact that we can do this in conjunction with our work with the Cleveland Browns and during National Pork Month makes this specific donation feel even more special.”
Volunteers of America (VOA) Ohio & Indiana is an affiliate of Volunteers of America, a national nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping people rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Each year, VOA Ohio & Indiana serves more than 3,000 veterans locally through health, housing, and employment services. In Cleveland, the organization provides meals, housing and employment programs tailored specifically to veterans at risk of homelessness.
“Protein is often the hardest resource for us to secure consistently,” said LaRaun Clayton, Vice President, Veterans and Housing. “This donation of pork from Ohio’s pig farmers means that hundreds of veterans in our care will enjoy not just a meal, but a meal that honors their service with quality, nutritious food. We are deeply grateful for this partnership.”
This particular outreach was made in collaboration and assistance with the Cleveland Browns who continue to help the Ohio Pork Council communicate the community-based values and principles that Ohio’s pig farmers represent.
“We’re proud to stand alongside the Ohio Pork Council in serving the Cleveland community and especially our veterans,” said Jenner Tekancic, Vice President of Community Relations for Haslam Sports Group. “Our partnership goes beyond football — it’s about demonstrating shared values of gratitude, teamwork, and giving back to those who have sacrificed for our country.”
Jess Stevens, a pig farmer from Waynesville, Ohio, serves on the Ohio Pork Council’s board, said her entire family was honored to be a part of the pork donation to VOA. “These giving-back opportunities are some of best things I do every year. Simply knowing that hundreds of deserving military veterans received a hot, pork-centered meal resonates deeply within my active military family and gives me a greater sense of purpose in what we do as farmers.”
About Volunteers of America
At Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, we are dedicated to helping people achieve well-being by offering hope, restoring dignity, and transforming lives, to ensure communities thrive. For over 125 years, we have been uplifting individuals, families, and communities including veterans, homeless individuals and families, men and women returning home after incarceration, and those recovering and healing from substance use disorders. Our work touches the mind, body, heart – and ultimately the spirit – of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services. To learn more about our work, visit www.voaohin.org.
About Ohio Pork Council
The Ohio Pork Council was established in 1968 with nearly 800 pig farmers dedicated to promoting their product. Today, OPC has approximately 2,500 members, serving and benefiting all Ohio pork producers through consumer outreach, research, and farmer support programs. Learn more at www.OhioPork.org.