PA Pork Tackles Hunger through the Sac Hunger Campaign 

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February 27, 2026 

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PA Pork Tackles Hunger through the Sac Hunger Campaign 

The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council continues to see the impact the Sack Hunger Campaign provides through its ongoing partnership with Penn State Nittany Lions football. Each sack recorded during the regular football season results in 50 pounds of pork being donated to food banks across the Commonwealth. 

During the 2025 season, Penn State recorded 28 sacks, resulting in 1,400 pounds of pork to help meet the needs of families. In support of the Sack Hunger Campaign, the PA Pork Producers Council Board of Directors also pledged an additional 2,200 pounds of pork through their Give a Ham initiative. This year, PA Pork is proud to provide a grand total of 3,600 pounds of nutritious pork to those in need.  

“This campaign continues to showcase the power of partnership and shared purpose,” said Courtney Gray, Executive Director of PA Pork. “Working alongside Penn State Football allows us to highlight pork’s role as a high-quality protein while making a meaningful difference for families facing food insecurity.” 

All donated ground pork will be distributed through the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank network, ensuring it reaches communities throughout central Pennsylvania. Pork provides essential nutrients, including protein, B-vitamins, and minerals, helping support balanced and healthy diets. Ground pork specifically meets the standards to be considered American Heart Healthy.  

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The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council (PPPC) administers the Pork Checkoff on behalf of the state’s nearly 3,000 pig farmers. PPPC acts as a steward for Pork Checkoff funds at the state level and is charged with executing specific programs in the areas of promotion, research and education. No funds may be used for lobbying or to influence government policy. Checkoff-funded promotions are designed to increase domestic pork sales through consumer, retail and food service outreach. Additionally, Checkoff-funded research is administered in all areas of pork production, processing and human nutrition to develop a higher quality, more profitable and innovative product in the competitive meat protein market. 

Pork Showcased at the 110th PA Farm Show 

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January 17, 2026 

Editor’s Note: Photo Attached: Suggested Caption: Senator McCormick holds a pig during his visit.

Pork Showcased at the 110th PA Farm Show 

The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council (PA Pork) celebrated a highly successful presence at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show, held Saturday, January 10 through Saturday, January 17. With record-breaking attendance throughout the week, PA Pork welcomed thousands of visitors to its exhibit, engaging in meaningful conversations about pork production, animal care, nutrition, and the role of Pennsylvania pig farmers in feeding their communities. 

A highlight of the week was the arrival of 11 piglets born to the PA Pork sow, Truffles, offering Farm Show guests a firsthand look at modern pork production and animal care. The exhibit served as a hub for education and dialogue, supported by PA Pork staff, volunteers, and Pork Pod interns Avah Burke and Nathan Swope, who played a key role in visitor engagement and outreach. 

PA Pork’s exhibit attracted significant media attention, with numerous news interviews conducted throughout the week. On Thursday, January 15, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited the PA Pork exhibit alongside Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson. During their visit, they spoke with PA Pork representatives about the importance of high-quality protein, agriculture education, and the pork industry’s contribution to Pennsylvania and the nation. On Saturday, January 17, Senator Dave McCormick toured through the Farm Show and stopped to visit the piglets.

Friday, January 16, marked Pork Day at the Farm Show’s Culinary Connections Stage, where pork took center stage through live cooking demonstrations and competitions. During the popular Bacon Is Just the Beginning contest, two chefs competed using pork collar as the featured cut. Chef Travis Mumma of Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse was named the winner, competing against Chef Cody Pricket of the Hilton Harrisburg. 

Additional culinary demonstrations showcased the versatility of pork. Taste What Pork Can Do featured a Peach-Jalapeño Grilled Pork Tenderloin Salad prepared live for attendees. The team from Son of a Butcher demonstrated pork fabrication by breaking down a pork shoulder and transforming it into blueberry sausage. Students from the Community College of Philadelphia also went head-to-head, preparing bacon and bratwursts in a spirited culinary challenge. 

“The Pennsylvania Farm Show continues to be an invaluable opportunity for PA Pork to connect directly with consumers,” said Matt Brandt, Farm Show Committee Chair. “From meeting Truffles and her piglets to watching chefs and students bring pork to life on the Culinary Connections stage, this week allowed us to share the story of pork in an engaging, transparent, and meaningful way.” 

For further information regarding the PA Farm Show and PA Pork’s attendance please visit whypapork.com or follow us on Instagram @whypapork and Facebook under PA Pork.  

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The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council (PPPC) administers the Pork Checkoff on behalf of the state’s nearly 3,000 pig farmers. PPPC acts as a steward for Pork Checkoff funds at the state level and is charged with executing specific programs in the areas of promotion, research and education. No funds may be used for lobbying or to influence government policy. Checkoff-funded promotions are designed to increase domestic pork sales through consumer, retail and food service outreach. Additionally, Checkoff-funded research is administered in all areas of pork production, processing and human nutrition to develop a higher quality, more profitable and innovative product in the competitive meat protein market. 

Secretary Rollins Visits the Pennsylvania Farm Show 

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January 15, 2026 

Editor’s Note: Photo Attached: Suggested Caption: Secretary Rollins hold a pig during her tour at the Pennsylvania Farm Show 

Secretary Rollins Visits the Pennsylvania Farm Show 

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited the Pennsylvania Farm Show today and stopped by the Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council (PA Pork) booth to meet with members and learn more about the state’s pork industry. During her visit, PA Pork representatives thanked Secretary Rollins for her continued support of America’s pork producers and for encouraging the inclusion of high-quality proteins in the newly released 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 

Secretary Rollins spoke with state pork leaders about the work that she has been doing to advocate for the industry. Members expressed appreciation for her advocacy on behalf of U.S. agriculture and her recognition of pork as a valuable part of a balanced diet. 

“We were honored to welcome Secretary Rollins to the PA Pork booth and share the story of Pennsylvania pig farmers,” said Courtney Gray, PA Pork Producers Council Executive Director. “Her support for high-quality protein sources in the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans is important for both consumers and farmers, and we appreciate her commitment to ensuring science-based nutrition guidance.” 

The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council is proud to represent the state’s pig farmers and to educate consumers about how pork is raised, its nutritional benefits, and the dedication of farm families who care for their animals every day. 

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The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council (PPPC) administers the Pork Checkoff on behalf of the state’s nearly 3,000 pig farmers. PPPC acts as a steward for Pork Checkoff funds at the state level and is charged with executing specific programs in the areas of promotion, research and education. No funds may be used for lobbying or to influence government policy. Checkoff-funded promotions are designed to increase domestic pork sales through consumer, retail and food service outreach. Additionally, Checkoff-funded research is administered in all areas of pork production, processing and human nutrition to develop a higher quality, more profitable and innovative product in the competitive meat protein market.