Pork Industry Launches
Food Aid Program

Pork Partnership Struck

Winnipeg, December 9, 1998 - Manitoba Pork, in conjunction with J.M. Schneider and H.M.S. Foods, is seeking the assistance of hog farmers in getting more pork into the hands of the needy throughout Manitoba .

Under the newly struck food aid partnership, farmers are encouraged to donate market hogs to Manitoba Pork. The value of the donated animal goes towards the purchase of pork for distribution to rural food banks and soup kitchens. J.M.Schneider will match the dollar value of the donated hog and HMS Foods Ltd. will assist with distribution.

"Manitoba pork producers have helped feed the needy in the past, and I’m hopeful that during these tough economic times they will be able to give once again to the less fortunate people in our communities," said Gerry Friesen, Chairman of Manitoba Pork. "The exciting part of this new partnership is that we will be able to double our efforts to further the struggle to feed the hungry."

Rural food banks are supported through Winnipeg Harvest which is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the more than 38,000 Manitobans who turn to them each month to feed themselves and their families. Almost half their clients - a full 42% are infants and children under 12 years of age! Recent statistics have borne out the fact that Winnipeg is the child poverty capitol of Canada - certainly not news to Winnipeg Harvest and their rural counterparts. All donations of pork will be recognized with a charity tax credit.

Manitoba pork producers, faced with the lowest hog prices in 27 years, continue to respond to calls for assistance. At Hog and Poultry Days in Winnipeg, December 2 and 3, Hutterite Bretheren producers who competed in the carcass competition donated a total of $22,500 to a variety of health care facilities throughout Manitoba.

Manitoba Pork , J.M. Schneider and H.M.S. Foods are proud to assist pork producers in making a difference to those with the greatest need.

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For more information:
Gerry Friesen, Chairman
Manitoba Pork
750 Marion Street
Winnipeg, MB R2J OK4
233-4991 Cell: (204) 725-6704

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