posted on Monday, March 3, 2014 in News

North Dakota Food Pantries Recieves Pork Donation

October is National Pork Month, and North Dakota Sow Center believed the best way to celebrate the occasion was to provide those in need with pork. Last week, the Bottineau County Food Pantry and the Cavalier County Emergency Food Pantry received over 200 pounds of pork each to fill their freezers and distribute to the community.

The pork donations come right before the holiday season; historically a time when at the end of the year more people get laid off of work.

“People are really nervous about having enough money to provide for their kids. By having this food available to them, provides a little relief from the huge stress they are feeling,” said Kathy Downs, chairperson of the Cavalier County Emergency Food Pantry Board. “Providing healthy food that people can put on their children’s plate- that’s what we are here for.”

Employees at NDSC, Steve Bryan and Steve Sweet, delivered the meat to the pantry. “We are glad we work for a company that gives back to the community and that we could help. We aren’t expecting anything in return; it was a good experience to see how much the pork is appreciated,” Bryan expressed.

The Cavalier County Emergency Food Pantry is thrilled about the different cuts of pork that families will receive in their holiday baskets this year. “The best thing was seeing how excited the pantry coordinators were when they saw the donations we brought in. It’s nice to help other people,” said Sweet.

Meat is the hardest item to attain and the most expensive item to fill the food pantry with. The food pantry’s goal is help make food budgets go further.

“Our passion is making sure everyone has their belly full,” said Tim Schroeter, manager of the Bottineau Food Pantry.

Schroeter’s clients have expressed that recently the cost of grocery delivery has increased and the amount of money they receive towards food stamps has decreased.The food pantry helps fill in the gap when people need the assistance.

Last month the Bottineau Pantry served 87 families. Each family is given 50 pounds of food per month which includes dry goods, meat, canned food, and other items.

North Dakota Sow Center's farms are managed by AMVC Management Services. AMVC Management Services, based out of Audubon, IA, is a management company that provides swine husbandry, veterinary, nutritional and employee services.