CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Forty-eight cases of ground pork are delivered to South Tama County Food pantry in Tama.

WEST DES MOINES — This summer, the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation and Iowa Select Farms will distribute more than 39,000 pounds of ground pork as a part of the Haul Out Hunger program. A record 130 food pantries in 97 communities throughout Iowa will receive the pork to fight food insecurity in the communities where Iowa Select Farms employees live and work.

“It is very important that people get a balanced diet. With the high cost of meat and other protein items, families are missing that in their diet. Just like families, food pantries are having a difficult time keeping meat in the freezers with very low budgets to work with,” said Lorie Smuck of the Mid-Iowa Community Action Hardin County Family Development.

On June 20, 576 pounds of ground pork were delivered to food pantries in Tama County, including South Tama County Food Pantry in Tama.

“The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation is dedicated to addressing hunger in rural Iowa,” said Laura Noehren, Foundation program manager. “We hope that these donations can aid organizations across the state as they continue to face food insecurity head-on.”

In the months ahead, the Foundation will continue its mission to fight food insecurity through several unique programs. The Power Snack program will supply schools with coupons for deli ham and whole wheat bread, helping ensure students have access to nutritious meals at home. In December, the Operation Christmas Meal initiative will distribute pork loins to families in need across the state, continuing the Foundation’s tradition of holiday giving and support.