SPRINGFIELD, Ill (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Illinois farmers have come through with a major donation to the state’s food banks.

“The holidays are a season of giving, and the Illinois Pork Producers strive to produce good quality protein for this area and the communities all year long,” said Randy Kuker, vice president of the Illinois Pork Producers Association.

Central Illinois Foodbank executive director Pam Molitoris said the donation — 101,000 pounds of ground pork — is exactly what her clients want. “Number One is protein,” she said, “then fresh produce and dairy. So when we say this is important to our neighbors, it is critical.”

“This will go a long way to help keep fresh protein in front of our people who need us at the food banks,” said Mike Borgic, a farmer who is also on the food bank’s board of directors.

While more than fifty tons of pork will be distributed statewide, only about 3,000 pounds are for the 21 counties served by Central Illinois Foodbank. Molitoris says each family which gets a donation should have enough pork for two meals.

Feeding Illinois is matching a monetary donation.