SSGA calls on cattle producers to help food banks with ‘Beef Drive’

Cattle producers are being asked by the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) to help the province’s food banks.

Members can donate livestock with the launch of a “Beef Drive” on Tuesday. The meat will be processed into hamburger for distribution through food banks.

“Saskatchewan’s ranchers are legendary for their willingness to help out a neighbour,” SSGA president Shane Jahnke said.

“We hope this Beef Drive can help people put good nutritious food on the table.”

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The organization that represents cattle producers has set a goal of 1,000 pounds of hamburger to help fight hunger this holiday season.

SSGA said fresh protein is difficult for food banks to collect through individual donations, so a bulk donation is a welcome gesture.

“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,” Steve Compton, executive director of the Food Banks of Saskatchewan, said.

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Two packing plants – Weyburn’s Western Prime Meat Processors and Swift Current’s Treen Packers – are offering a significant discount on processing donated cattle.

For more information on how to help Saskatchewan families in need, contact SSGA at 306-757-8523.