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Lt. Governor accepts record poultry donation for food banks

Since 1947 the Indiana State Poultry Association has presented state officials with poultry products around Thanksgiving.  Originally the donation went to the Governor and staff but today, those donations are distributed to food banks around the state.

Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann says it’s Hoosiers helping Hoosiers. “It’s amazing to have the Indiana State Poultry Association make such a substantial contribution to our food banks across the state of Indiana,” she says.  “What a difference they are making in the lives of Hoosiers.  Also, it gives us just a glimpse of the strength and the importance of the poultry association to Indiana’s ag economy.”

AUDIO: Lt. Gov Sue Ellspermann, Poultry Donation (2:00mp3)

Paul Brennan, executive vice-president of the Indiana State Poultry Association says the donation started as a way to showcase Indiana’s diverse poultry industry.  “It’s really grown in the food donation aspect,” he says.  “Back in the 1990’s it (the donation) shifted to where it was given to the food banks from the Governor.  We’re up to 233,000 pounds this time around.  It’s pretty exciting and we’re happy to contribute to the community.”

AUDIO: Paul Brennan, ISPA (2:30mp3)

Cindy Hubert, president and CEO of Gleaner’s Food Bank says this donation will feed a lot of Hoosiers.  “This time of year – 233,000 pounds will equate to about 1 million meals,” she says.  “So it’ll be HUGE to getting it out into the food bank system.”

AUDIO: Cindy Hubert, Gleaners Food Bank (1:30mp3)

Donations to the food banks and other charities were made in party by Berne Hi-Way Hatchery; Creighton Brothers; Culver Duck; Farbest Foods; Hy-Line North America; Maple Leaf Farms; Midwest Poultry Services; Miller Poultry, Perdue Farms; Rose Acre Farms; Tyson Foods; and Wabash Valley Produce.

Over the next few weeks, Hoosier poultry producers will deliver products to local food banks throughout the state.