Indiana hog farmers are teaming up with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) to provide pork for Japan’s victims of the massive earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern sections of that island nation on March 11.
Estimates indicate that more than half-a-million Japanese residents are still lacking adequate food and shelter.
Indiana Pork has contributed $10,000 to provide pork products and to aid with distribution to those in need in Japan. The goal is to provide food that requires little or no preparation, such as pre-made bento (lunch) boxes, to people who have been displaced.
USMEF, which has offices in Tokyo, is working with U.S. pork packers and others who have established distribution networks in Japan, to make sure the food gets to those who need it.
“Japan is a great partner and friend to Indiana’s pork farmers and our heart continues to go out to them as they recover from this disaster,” says Sam Moffitt, hog farmer and president of Indiana Pork. “Close to 25% of Indiana’s pork products are exported, and Japan is one of our greatest customers,” he says.
In recent years, Japan has been the top export customer for U.S. pork, purchasing more than $1.6 billion in 2010.