What if the food grown in our own communities could be the key to fighting hunger right here at home? Our Feeding Illinois Grain for Good (G4G) program is answering that question by turning local harvests into meals for neighbors in need.
This new year, the Grain for Good pilot program delivered 3,000 pounds of ground pork to the Open Arms Food Pantry in Metamora, Illinois. Sourced from local grain and hog farmers and processed at Bittner’s Eureka Meat Locker, this donation reflects our commitment to combat food insecurity and strengthen communities.
Local Impact
In 2024, Open Arms Food Pantry served over 8,000 individuals and 2,400 households in Woodford County, where nearly 1 in 10 people face food insecurity. According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, the average meal cost in the county is $4.52—one of the highest in the region.
“This ground pork donation is more than just food on the table. It’s a locally grown product that provides hope and stability for families facing difficult times,” said Bailey Parks-Moore, Donor Relations Manager at Eastern Illinois Foodbank.
Collaboration That Matters
The success of this effort would not have been possible without the support of our incredible partners, including Grainland Farmers, Eastern Illinois Foodbank, Illinois Association of Meat Processors, and Illinois Pork Producers Association. Together, we ensured the pork was processed, packaged in one-pound portions, and delivered locally to serve families in need.
“Local to me is about neighbors helping neighbors,” said Matt Kennell, Treasurer of Open Arms Food Pantry. “Being able to make this kind of impact here among our neighbors is incredibly important and fulfilling.”
Strengthening Communities
Our Grain for Good program, part of the Farm to Food Bank initiative, connects every step of the food chain—from grain farmers to hog farmers, processors, and food pantries. By keeping resources close to home, we ensure that the hard work of Illinois farmers directly benefits their communities.
“This pork donation is a testament to the power of local collaboration,” said Steve Ericson, Executive Director of Feeding Illinois. “We invite Illinois grain farmers and partners to join us in this mission as we expand Grain for Good across the state to address food insecurity on a broader scale.”
Get Involved
Learn more about our Grain for Good program and how you can help make a difference in your community by visiting www.FeedingIllinois.org/GrainforGood.
Together, we can turn local harvests into hope for neighbors in need.