PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The Pike-Scott Farm Bureau distributed close to a ton of ground pork to five food pantries in Pike and Scott counties. Jeremy and Jason Thomas, Pittsfield area hog farmers donated 14 hogs. The processing was paid for by grants from the Pike-Scott Young Leaders Committee and the Pike County Endowment Fund.
The Young Leaders have been collecting money from area farmers and businesses toward their Harvest for All project. The Pike County Endowment Fund is a fund through the Community Foundation of West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri.
Marlee Jo Schultz, Pike-Scott Farm Bureau Young Leaders Committee chairwoman said, “We want to thank the Thomas brothers and area farmers and businesses for their contributions for making these gifts possible.”
Pike County Endowment Fund counsel chairwoman, Kaye Iftner said, “Our fund counsel regularly recommends contributions that help county food pantries. This one links the farmer with those needing quality protein in their diets.”
Food pantries receiving a portion of the ground pork are Barry Food Pantry, The Crossing Food Pantry, Two Rivers Food Pantry, Naples Food Pantry, and the Scott County Food Pantry.
The organization has distributed pork, hand sanitizer, and milk coupons through the COVID-19 emergency. Those wanting to assist in helping to pay processing costs, can do so by making a tax-deductible charitable contribution to the Two Rivers Farm Bureau Foundation, PO Box 6, Pittsfield, IL 62363. Please note the contribution is for the Harvest for All project.