FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2025
Editor’s Note: Photo Attached: PA Pork Executive Director, Courtney Gray and PPPC President, Coleman Wagner with staff from the Central PA Food Bank.
PA Pork Sack’s Hunger
The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council is proud to announce the resounding success of the Sack Hunger Campaign, an impactful collaboration with Penn State Football. Throughout the season, this innovative campaign made a tangible difference in the fight against hunger by donating 50 pounds of pork for every quarterback sack recorded by the Nittany Lions. With a total of 47 sacks this season, the campaign delivered an incredible 2,350 pounds of nutritious pork to local food banks and families in need.
“This campaign embodies the spirit of teamwork and community,” said Courtney Gray, Executive Director of PA Pork. “By partnering with Penn State Football, we were able to highlight the value of pork as a high-quality protein source while addressing food insecurity across Pennsylvania.”
Adding to this generosity, PA Pork board members committed additional funds from the historic “Give a Ham” program. Their contributions underscored the organization’s deep commitment to supporting families in need and expanding access to nutritious food.
The donated pork will be distributed through the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, ensuring it reaches local families and individuals facing food insecurity. Pork, as a nutrient-rich protein, provides essential vitamins and minerals that are vital for maintaining a healthy diet. In total, both programs allowed for $13,000 in pork to be donated which comes out to just over 5,700 pounds of product being donated.
“It’s inspiring to see agriculture and sports come together for such a meaningful cause,” said Coleman Wagner, President of PA Pork. “We’re proud to represent Pennsylvania’s pork industry and to give back to the communities that support us.”
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The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council (PPPC) administers the Pork Checkoff on behalf of the state’s nearly 3,000 pig farmers. PPPC acts as a steward for Pork Checkoff funds at the state level and is charged with executing specific programs in the areas of promotion, research and education. No funds may be used for lobbying or to influence government policy. Checkoff-funded promotions are designed to increase domestic pork sales through consumer, retail and food service outreach. Additionally, Checkoff-funded research is administered in all areas of pork production, processing and human nutrition to develop a higher quality, more profitable and innovative product in the competitive meat protein market.
