WESTMORELAND, N.Y. — May is Beef Month in New York State. The New York Beef Council is leading beef industry awareness month with the return of the “Farm to Food Bank” initiative to combat hunger. New York Beef Council in partnership with Empire Livestock Marketing, Finger Lakes Livestock Exchange, Inc., Hosking Sales, Northern NY Farmer’s Marketing Coop, Inc. and NY Beef Producers Association are encouraging beef and dairy farmers to donate cattle sale proceeds for the sole purchase of beef for six regional food banks serving all 62 counties in New York State.
From April 24th through May 31st auction markets throughout the state will assist NYBC in promoting the Farm to Food Bank Initiative. Beef and dairy farmers will have two levels of donations from which to choose or can designate their own dollar contribution. A single $50.00 donation can provide meals for 150 people. Each $50.00 donation will allow the food banks to purchase over 300 pounds of beef through their Food Bank’s purchasing system. The donations generated will help ensure more protein will reach families and individuals in need.
In addition to collecting donations the New York Beef Council will be spreading the message of beef’s role in a healthy diet by providing trainings for food bank staff on how to economically utilize and prepare beef donations. Beef is a high value protein and often underutilized by low income families, despite its nutrient dense value. Peter Ricardo, Product Donations Manager for the Food Bank of CNY, states, “We continue to be humbled and impressed by the generosity and compassion in our community. We thank you on behalf of the many families and individuals that have a need for our services.”
Farm to Food Bank will be posted on New York Beef Council’s Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (@NYBeefCouncil) pages as a means to reach out to our farmers to encourage participation. #Farm2FoodBank . Information can also be found at: http://www.nybeef.org/farmtofoodbank1.aspx
