INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Indiana pork producers and Indianapolis’ hockey team, The Indy Fuel, partnered to donate 200 pounds of ground pork to Gleaner’s Food Bank through Feeding Indiana’s Hungry (FIsH), at the recent conclusion of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) season.

 

In order to “drop the puck on hunger,” Indiana Pork donated one meal to FIsH for every Garbage Pork Burger sold at Fuel games throughout the season. As it turns out, the Garbage Burger – which consists of a pork patty topped with pulled barbeque pork – was a well-received meal for hockey fans cheering on The Fuel throughout the season that ended in April.

“We were excited to showcase the Garbage Burger at the Indy Fuel games,” said Jeanette Merritt, director of Checkoff Programs for Indiana Pork. “The Garbage Burger is a popular item on our Indiana State Fair menu and we are thrilled that Indy Fuel fans helped us feed 800 families.”

She said Indiana pork farmers are always happy to help anyone in need. Nutritious sources of protein such as meat, dairy and eggs are important, yet seldom, contributions to food banks in the country.

Animal protein is especially important for a balanced diet because it packs the most protein per bite. Food-insecure families often have trouble obtaining enough lean protein for a balanced diet because such products are more expensive and donated less often. Unbalanced diets can lead to health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Emily Weikert Bryant, executive director of FIsH, said the organization is thankful for the pork, which will be distributed to central Indiana food banks.

“We appreciate Indiana Pork Producers, the Indy Fuel and fans of both for providing nutritious pork meals to clients of Indiana’s food banks,” she said.