The Iowa Legislature is set to return to session in May, and one of the issues they will have to look into on a statewide level is pork production, specifically with plants shutting down and farmers having no place to send their hogs. State Senator Julian Garrett tells KNIA News he is in support of a program being looked into by the Iowa Department of Agriculture called Pass the Pork.

“That is a program that we are coordinating where pig producers can donate hogs to food pantries and food banks, so that can help alleviate the situation of supply and help out local people. Some local meat lockers are stepping up, they would still have to meet federal standards, but it’s something the state government is working on.”

Garrett also said passing a budget is a must by the legislature, and will be their top priority when back in session.