Indiana Pork Farmers Step Up to Expand Protein Access for Families in Need

CARMEL, IN, Oct. 13, 2026 — HATCH, the nation’s largest nonprofit addressing protein insecurity, has partnered with Indiana Pork to celebrate National Pork Month.

Throughout National Pork Month, HATCH, the National Pork Board (NPB), and Indiana Pork will spotlight the work of pork producers and the ways the pork industry contributes to communities across the country. The partnership will help bring greater awareness to the importance of protein in a nutritious diet while highlighting the producers, organizations, and partners working to make high-quality protein more accessible.

“Pork producers play a crucial role in helping communities access the nutritious protein they need,” said Danny Leckie, CEO of HATCH. “National Pork Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate the people behind the product and recognize the impact that pork can have when it reaches families and individuals through the charitable food system.”

 “Indiana’s pork producers are proud to play a role in feeding people both here at home and across the country,” said Josh Trenary, Executive Director of Indiana Pork. “This partnership with HATCH provides an opportunity to highlight the people behind pork and the important role our industry can play in helping communities access nutritious food through both local farmers in their own communities or large-scale production on the grocery store shelf.”

“Pork is a nutrient-dense, high-quality source of protein that plays an important role in balanced eating across life stages. National Pork Month is a great opportunity to recognize the producers who make this nutritious food possible and to highlight the importance of making quality protein accessible to more people. We’re proud to support efforts that connect the work of pork producers with the communities they help feed,” said Kristen Hicks-Roof, Ph.D., RDN, LDN, FAND, Senior Director of Human Nutrition, National Pork Board.

As part of the National Pork Month partnership, HATCH, NPB and Indiana Pork will share stories, educational content and information throughout October highlighting pork producers and the importance of protein access.

The partnership also underscores the connection between agriculture and the charitable food system. When producers, industry partners and hunger-relief organizations work together, more nutritious food can make its way to the people who need it most.