To help feed victims of Hurricane Sandy, the largest Atlantic hurricane on record to hit the northeast coast, the Pork Checkoff’s event trailer has traveled to Brick, NJ.
Although 24 states have been impacted by the storm, the hurricane hit New York and New Jersey especially hard, flooding numerous streets, tunnels and subway lines, as well as cutting off electricity to parts of the city and its suburbs. In response, pork producers from several states will be rolling up their sleeves to help feed those impacted by the storm.
“The event trailer, equipped with grills and cooking supplies, is on its way to the East Coast, and we’re recruiting producers who can help,” says Conley Nelson president of the National Pork Board. “This is just another way pork producers demonstrate that they care for people and their communities.” Contributing to a better quality of life in producers’ communities is one of the six ethical principles of the We Careinitiative, a joint effort of the Pork Checkoff, through the National Pork Board, and the National Pork Producers Council.
Currently, seven states have donated assistance through monetary support. These states include Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Utah. Six states have provided support by sending volunteers, including Iowa, Indiana, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and South Dakota. The National Pork Board is still looking for volunteers.Those who would like to offer assistance should contact Bill Winkelman at (515) 223-2603.
In North Carolina, the board of directors of the North Carolina Pork Council (NCPC) has donated $10,000 to support a direct feeding effort for Hurricane Sandy victims.
Industry partners Smithfield and Johnsonville have offered their support through product donations of 2,000 pounds of pork loin (Smithfield) and 110 cases, equating to 8,000 pork patties (Johnsonville). The Pork Checkoff and America’s pork producers are grateful for these contributions which will make the relief effort a success.
“This is a great opportunity for producers to give back to those on the East Coast who have been hit hard by the hurricane,” Nelson says.
There are a number of national and local relief agencies working to help hurricane victims. For farmers who wish to contribute, here are links to three reputable relief organization Web sites:
http://feedingamerica.org/
https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/disaster
http://www.redcross.org/sandy.