Local egg farmer donates 300,000 eggs to community food banks

Farmers to donate nearly nine million fresh eggs to food banks nationwide during Easter season

Jasper — Wabash Valley Produce of Dubois, IN,is helping in the fight against hunger by donating nearly 300,000 eggs to Indiana food assistance organizations, including the local Community Food Bank, during the month of March.

Families continue to struggle to put food on their tables, leading more and more to turn to food assistance organizations across the country for help. In fact, more than 48 million Americans live in food insecure homes.

“We’re thrilled to donate much-needed protein to the Community Food Bank, along with the Tri-State Food Bank, Hoosier Hills Food Bank and Terre-Haute Catholic Charities, just in time for the Easter holiday,” stated Tom Seger of Wabash Valley Produce. “We take pride in giving back to our local community.”

Among the most needed items at food assistance organizations are sources of high quality protein, such as fresh eggs. According to the USDA, one large egg delivers six grams of protein and 13 essential nutrients such as choline, folate, iron and zinc. Additionally, the USDA concluded in 2011 that the average amount of cholesterol was 14 percent lower and vitamin D content was 64 percent higher than previously thought.

“We are so thankful for the continued generosity of Wabash Valley Produce especially during the Easter season,” stated Janet Kluemper of the Community Food Bank. “Wabash Valley Produce ensures we are stocked with fresh eggs all year long and allows us to provide a nutrient-rich protein option for our clients.”

“Year-round our generous farmers donate fresh eggs to their local food assistance organizations,” stated Chad Gregory, president and CEO of United Egg Producers. “We come together during the Easter season to give a little extra and make fresh eggs available to feed insecure families across the country.”

For the sixth consecutive Easter season, the United Egg Producers have organized a nationwide effort to give food insecure families a helping hand. U.S. egg farmers are donating nearly nine million fresh eggs this year, bringing the total number of fresh eggs donated by egg farmers since 2008 to 69 million.

Consumers can also participate in the nationwide effort by going to www.facebook.com/UEPCertified and pledging to buy UEP-certified eggs. For every pledge received, United Egg Producers will donate one carton of eggs to a local food assistance organization.