[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 88 (Monday, May 11, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S2331]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              CORONAVIRUS

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, the pandemic has disrupted just about 
everything Americans take for granted in life, including our food 
supply. Empty grocery store shelves have greeted U.S. consumers, 
perhaps for the first time in their lifetimes. The pandemic shines a 
national spotlight on the ``farm to fork'' supply chain. Market 
disruptions are forcing farmers to make tough choices--milk being 
dumped, eggs destroyed, and market-ready hogs may have nowhere to go. 
Farmers are shouldering a heavy burden, with profound impact to their 
livelihood and mental health.
  As a champion for American agriculture, I am leading efforts to help 
our farmers get through these tough times. There is a lot of help 
coming from other people as well.
  As always, Iowa pork producers want to do what they do best, which is 
put food on our tables. They are teaming up with local meat lockers and 
food banks to do what is called Pass the Pork, a statewide initiative 
launched by Iowa Governor Reynolds. The Pass the Pork Program aims to 
stock food pantries with hogs donated by local farmers and from 
financial contributions to cover the costs of processing and 
distribution. Where there is a will, there is a way. We all know it.
  I salute Iowans pulling together the Iowa Way.
  I yield the floor.

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