PA Pork Tackles Hunger through the Sac Hunger Campaign 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

February 27, 2026 

Editor’s Note: Photo Attached:  

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. 

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Weston Spect- PLI 2025

Weston Spect, has recently been selected to join the 2025 class for the Pork Leadership Institute (PLI). Weston grew up on a small horse farm in Somerset, Pennsylvania, where he developed a passion for agriculture through 4-H, FFA, and raising fair pigs. He attended Pennsylvania State University, earning a degree in Animal Science with a minor in Equine Science.

After graduation, Weston began his career in feed sales before joining Country View Family Farms. Over the past two years, he has advanced through their Manager Trainee Program and is now the Farrowing Lead at a 5,500-head Prop 12-compliant farm.

Weston credits mentors at Country View Family Farms, for fostering his growth, stating, “The knowledge and support from my colleagues have been invaluable. I’ve been fortunate to learn from a team that prioritizes continuous improvement and innovative problem-solving.”

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to have been selected for PLI,” Spect shared. “The program offers a unique opportunity to meet industry professionals from across the country, exchange ideas, and gain new perspectives that I can bring back to my farm and community.”

As Weston embarks on this journey, he reflects on his growing passion for pork production. “I never imagined how rewarding this industry could be. It’s incredible to walk into a grocery store and see a product you’ve worked hard to produce on the shelf. I encourage young adults to step out of their comfort zones and explore a career in the pork industry—it’s a truly fulfilling experience.”