A beef drive launched by the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association to help out Saskatchewan’s food banks is having great success. To date the program has donated 1,312 pounds of beef with a fair market value of over $7,400.
Mike Guest at Western Prime in Weyburn has supported the beef drive program by offering reduced processing fees. He is also matching producer donations pound for pound for any animals that Western Prime processes.
Members of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association can help by contributing an animal, or by donating cash to defray the cost of processing.
“Saskatchewan’s ranchers are legendary for their willingness to help out a neighbour,” said Shane Jahnke, president of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association. “We hope this beef drive can help people put good nutritious food on the table.”
Hunger is a problem everywhere, but the recent downturn in the resource economy has increased the pressure on food banks in Saskatchewan. Fresh protein is difficult for food banks to collect through individual donations, so a bulk donation like this is a welcome gesture.
The meat will be processed into hamburger for distribution through food banks across Saskatchewan.
The original goal was to collect 1,000 lbs. of hamburger by Dec. 31, but that was increased to 2,500 lbs. after a third processing plant was included into the program. “Knowing our ranch families as I do, I’m positive we’ll reach that pretty quick,” said Jahnke.
Beef is tasty, versatile, easy to prepare and highly nutritious. Besides its obvious protein value, beef is an excellent source of vitamin B12 and very good source of niacin, vitamin B6, selenium, zinc and phosphorus.
“The most nutritious food is the food people will eat,” said Jahnke. “Just about everybody likes beef, so I’m sure the food banks’ clients will be able to make good use of what we’re able to raise.”
Steve Compton, executive director of the Food Banks of Saskatchewan agrees. “Whether in a stir-fry or spaghetti sauce, beef completely increases the amount of good nutrition when paired with some of our other food staples like pasta and fresh vegetables,” he said.
Western Prime Meat Processors in Weyburn, Treen Packers in Swift Current and West Bridgeford Meats are accepting donated animals, and are offering a significant discount on processing. SSGA has sent out a call to other packing plants, and the list is expected to grow.
For more information on how producers can contribute to the Beef Drive, contact the SSGA office at (306) 757-8523.
