Madelyn Kucera is pictured delivering her Ignite the Spirit Christmas pork donation to the North Tama school district. Contributed photo

Since 2011, the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation has hosted Operation Christmas Meal, a hunger relief effort supporting Iowa families in need of a helping hand, especially during the holidays. Throughout December, the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation hosts Operation Christmas Meal events where they distribute free 5-pound pork loins and a recipe and pork preparation booklet.

The foundation once again offered community-based Ignite the Spirit opportunities aimed at increasing awareness of hunger locally and igniting the spirit of service by giving local student groups the tools (pork) to help even more families during the holiday season.

The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation offered FFA, 4-H and school-based organizations in communities two cases of pork loins and $250 to prepare a meal for families in need, or organize food baskets to distribute. This year the 4-H Tama 7-9th grade County Council applied and received two cases of pork loins and $250.

Each pork loin serves approximately 16-18 people a healthy portion of pork. Two cases of pork loins will feed over 400 people. The County Council used the cash to purchase ingredients for families to make the side dishes.

County Council members distributed 24 bags of pork loin and food to the schools of GMG, North Tama and South Tama. Each school was contacted to select eight families who needed this gift of food.

We believe everyone deserves a good meal, especially during the holidays. As farmers, we’re proud of the product we produce. Pork is a lean and powerful protein that nourishes bodies young and old. It is easy to prepare, full of flavor and versatile.

Tama County 4-H thanks the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation and Iowa Select Farms for this terrific opportunity to give to our community.

To learn more about the Tama County 4-H program visit www.extension.iastate.edu/tama/4h or call 641-484-2703.