2,400 Meals Provided By Porter County Community Foundation’s 4-H Donation To The Food Bank

VALPARAISO, IN. — At this year's Porter County Fair 4-H Livestock Auction, the Porter County Community Foundation was the winning bidder on five hogs and one steer. The resulting benefit is that over 1,500 pounds of meat was donated to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana for distribution to Porter County food pantries. Ultimately, 2,400 meals will be provided to those in need.

Bidding for the Foundation was President and CEO, Bill Higbie, assisted by Foundation Board Member, Cheri Birky. "The Foundation appreciates the value of this type of community investment," Higbie said. "Not only does our participation in the auction benefit the 4-H kids, but a significant number of food-insecure families will now have access to high-quality meat," Higbie added.

Cheri Birky worked with Craig Sims of Sims Meats to arrange the processing. Sims contributed to the project by processing two hogs free of charge. "Craig is really supportive of the Community Foundation's participation in the livestock auction. We greatly appreciate his generosity," Birky said.

“The support of the Porter County Community Foundation has a tremendous impact on the ability of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana to provide food assistance to neighbors in Porter County,” said Amy Briseño, Donor Relations Coordinator of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. “We know that our partner agencies are thrilled to be able to receive the meat to give to the families they serve. Keeping our community nourished and fed is truly a collaborative effort. We are so grateful for the Foundation’s continued support and involvement in fighting food insecurity alongside us.”

The Porter County Community Foundation was founded in 1996 and since then has awarded over $34 million in grants and scholarships to organizations and students in Porter County.

The Foundation inspires enduring generosity and kindness in our community. Learn more at www.pccf.gives.