GUELPH – Ontario Pork is proud to celebrate Canada’s Agriculture Day with the launch of The Whole Hog. The book is a collection of pork recipes, stories and tips gathered from people who work across Ontario’s food supply chain. The 200-page book highlights local food and is designed for anyone who yearns for everyday sustainability.
“The Whole Hog book tells a unique story of individuals from across the value chain who are bringing high-quality pork to the people of Ontario and the world,” said John de Bruyn, Chair of the Ontario Pork Board of Directors. “With this book launch on Canada’s Ag Day, we are proud to showcase our contribution of healthy, safe and nutritious food.”
“As a business that takes great pride in selling and promoting Ontario products, we couldn’t be more pleased to partner with Ontario Pork to launch The Whole Hog book,” said Dayle Toscan owner of Market Fresh. “This book is a refreshing look at our supply chain heroes who keep food on our shelves.”
United in their love of sustainably grown pork, recipes were collected from dedicated farmers, top-flight chefs, truckers, veterinarians, nutritionists, processors, retailers and backyard grillers. From farm to fork, their stories provide insight into the care given to animals and the sustainable practices being used by farmers.
“Our family loves what we do, which is producing a safe, healthy and nutritious food source for people to enjoy,” said Lambton County pork producer Cassie Van Engelen. “Having our family recipe on display is pretty exciting and I hope our story shines a positive light on our industry.”
Oxford County pork producer TJ Murray said, “I believe all farmers are on the same page when it comes to protecting our animals, land and water. As much as the book is a series of recipes, I hope it provides education on what goes into our farms and your food.”
Renowned Guelph chef, cookbook author and home economist Emily Richards said, “I was honoured to be a part of The Whole Hog. From making sausages and different cured products, using pork has been a long tradition in my family, and continues to be a staple in my home.”
Proceeds from the sale of the book will support Feed Ontario. Since 2013 Ontario Pork and its members have proudly donated over 299,267 pounds of pork, distributed through the Ontario network of food banks.
“This is another example of the tremendous relationship that we have with Ontario Pork,” said Feed Ontario’s Executive Director Carolyn Stewart. “We are grateful to be the recipient of the funds raised from the sale of The Whole Hog book. These funds will help local and community food banks to support people facing hunger.”
2023 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Ontario Pork Friends of the Food Bank partnership with Feed Ontario, previously known as the Ontario Association of Food Banks.
“Ontario Pork believes strongly in our social responsibility,” said Stacey Ash, Director of Communications and Consumer Marketing for Ontario Pork. “This includes a dedicated commitment to supporting our communities and those in need. We are so fortunate to have a group of farmers willing to step up at the drop of a hat.”
The Whole Hog book will be available for sale at select Ontario Pork retail partner locations and can also be ordered online at: https://shop.ontariopork.on.ca
Quick Facts
- Created in 1946, Ontario Pork proudly advocates for and is the voice for 997 pork producers. The organization’s objective is to promote the industry and build a vibrant and successful business environment for pork producers.
- Ontario’s pork industry contributes $1.35 billion to the province’s GDP, resulting in nearly 20,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
- Since 2013 Ontario pork producers have donated 299,267 pounds of pork through the Feed Ontario Program, which has provided 1.8 million servings of pork to local community food banks.
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For more information contact:
Stacey Ash
Director of Communications & Consumer Marketing
Ontario Pork
stacey.ash@ontariopork.on.ca