The ball got rolling courtesy of Doug Gillespie, past-president of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, when he donated the beef from one animal to Saskatchewan food banks and challenged others to do the same.
The official SSGA Beef Drive had begun.
As of Nov. 10, three or four animals had been donated, along with about $1,000 in cash, said executive director Chad MacPherson.
“We’re well on our way to meeting our goal.”
That goal is 1,000 pounds of hamburger, and since one cow alone dresses out at about 400 lb., he doesn’t anticipate any problem reaching the designated total, and then some.
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MacPherson said he did some homework before reaching out to Saskatchewan food banks.
“They were pretty thrilled that we would want to partner with them on the initiative,” he said.
Fresh protein is among the more difficult items for food banks to access, and hamburger in particular is a versatile, nutritious food that can be prepared in many different ways.
MacPherson said the Regina food bank will be the central point for receiving the beef, but it will distribute it as needed to other food banks in Saskatchewan.
Two meat processors, Western Prime Meat Processors in Weyburn and Treen Packers in Swift Current, have agreed to accept donated animals and process them at a discount as part of the Beef Drive initiative.
Those interested in donating an animal or money can contact the SSGA for details. Monetary donations will also be accepted at the SSGA booth during Canadian Western Agribition.
Donations of more than $10 will be issued a tax receipt by the food bank, MacPherson said.
“It’s a different way to get our product into people-in-need’s hands and a way of giving back.”
