This summer, Missouri 4-H youths raised more than 1,100 pounds of protein for Missourians in need by donating pigs at the 2021 Missouri State Fair. The pork contributed through Missouri Farmers Care’s Hogs for Hunger program will go on to provide 5,028 meals for food-insecure Missourians.

A press release says Hogs for Hunger, previously known as the Missouri Farmers Care Pork Partnership, is part of the Drive to Feed Kids, a yearlong fundraising campaign that dedicates proceeds to the Feeding Missouri statewide network of food banks.

This year, Hogs for Hunger expanded to connect Missouri 4-H and FFA members to the cause.

Missouri Farmers Care paid for processing and Feeding Missouri paid the youths 60 cents per pound live weight for the pig.

While the opportunity to provide a pig at this year’s Missouri State Fair has passed, people can still donate pork locally. The Missouri Farmers Care Foundation will reimburse farmers and exhibitors $1 per pound for processing costs.

Ways to give can be found on the Missouri Farmers Care website MoFarmersCare.com/drive.