Elanco’s vision is Food and Companionship Enriching Life. It’s at the core of what they do and they are proud to be a cause-driven organization. Elanco is committed to help break the cycle of hunger in 100 communities across the world by the end of year 2020. To achieve this, they have partnered with United Way Worldwide and have impacted 72 communities to date by providing resources and support to help local, sustainable project have a long term impact.
The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) launched a Beef Drive during the fall of 2016 to help out Saskatchewan’s food banks. Members were able to help by contributing an animal, or by donating cash to defray the cost of processing. The meat is processed into hamburger for distribution through food banks across Saskatchewan. Gord Roger, Beef Business Unit Manager of Elanco Canada, identified SSGA as a potential candidate for Elanco’s 100 Communities initiative. It was announced June 12th that SSGA was selected as a winner.
The funds awarded to SSGA through the 100 Communities initiative will be used to cover the cost of processing the donated animals into hamburger, which will allow the organization to donate more beef to Saskatchewan’s foodbanks as processing costs will not be a limiting factor.
“For many families that visit food banks across the province, having access to fresh protein options are very limited. Under the amazing leadership of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association and their partners, families were able to prepare nutritious fresh meals with the incredible beef donations received in food banks across the province. We certainly cannot begin to express our gratitude for what this amazing campaign has meant to the families we serve.” Steve Compton, Executive Director Food Banks of Saskatchewan. Besides its obvious protein value, beef is an excellent source of vitamin B12 and a very good source of niacin, vitamin B6, selenium, zinc and phosphorus.
The SSGA set a goal of 1,000 pounds of hamburger. To date the campaign has donated 8,525 pounds of ground beef, with a retail value of almost $48,000. With the support of the 100 Communities initiative, this number will continue to grow.
“We were thrilled with the way our members came through with donations last year,” said SSGA president Shane Jahnke. “It means a lot to have the support of Elanco. They obviously share our commitment to providing good nutritious food to people in our communities.
Roger agrees. “Elanco is very proud to recognize and support the great work that the SSGA has done to help families in Saskatchewan,” he said.
For more information on the Beef Drive, contact the SSGA office at (306) 757-8523.