Media Release
For Immediate Release
November 12, 2019
The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) launched its fourth annual Beef Drive for the Food Banks of Saskatchewan (FBS). In keeping with previous successful Beef Drives, the SSGA has set a goal of collecting 10,000 pounds of beef donations this year.
“Our annual Beef Drive gets underway once again for a fourth year to assist the food banks in our province by providing a wholesome and healthy Saskatchewan-grown product,” stated SSGA President Bill Huber. “Our membership has given this initiative incredible support over the past three years, and we invite you to be part of this year’s efforts.”
“Saskatchewan producers play an important role in demonstrating the heart and soul of community. They put so many endless hours into their operations, through all kinds of weather and unpredictable conditions, and yet, somehow, they keep going,” stated Laurie O’Connor, Executive Director of Food Banks of Saskatchewan. “And when times are tough, they get together to lend a hand to neighbours and friends, and they demonstrate what it means to be part of a community.”
Cargill Animal Nutrition Beef team comes on board again as Beef Drive sponsor. Through its Cargill Cares program, Cargill will be matching private donations dollar for dollar up to $5,000.
“We are honoured to support the fourth annual Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Beef Drive. Now in our second year as sponsor, we’re gratified to see the difference our industry can make when we work together to bring wholesome, nutritious food to Saskatchewan’s food banks,” stated Shannon Borden, Beef Brand Manager for Cargill Animal Nutrition Canada.
“We would like to thank Cargill who joins us as a sponsor this year again as well as the three processors who have previously partnered with the SSGA. Sponsorship support is an important component of the Beef Drive because it helps to cover the costs of processing the donated animals,” the SSGA president added.
The SSGA initiated its first Beef Drive on World Food Day in the fall of 2016 as a way for beef producers to support the 28 food banks in Saskatchewan. Producers or individuals can donate an animal or make a cash donation to help cover the processing costs of the donated animals. Saskatchewan’s beef producers have contributed generously during the three previous beef drives. Over 25,000 pounds of ground beef has been collected for the FBS that retails at over $120,000.
“This Saskatchewan grown beef has been greatly appreciated by food banks both large and small,” said O’Connor. “On behalf of the Food Banks of Saskatchewan, I want to express our deep appreciation for this wonderful donation, along with our respect, for the hard work that producers do every day – efforts that allow families to put supper on the table.”
For more information on donating to the Beef Drive, contact the SSGA office at (306) 757-8523.
Donations
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Meat Specifications
Any fresh/frozen meat food donations coming to the Food Bank must be processed through a registered abattoir, inspected (provincial or federal) and packaged to CFIA standards (labelled and dated)
Accepting 1 lb packages of regular or lean ground beef
Needs to be professionally processed & packaged
Temperature control must be maintained at temperatures of 4 degrees Celsius or colder and distributed in their original, unopened packaging.
Charitable Tax Receipts
Tax receipts will be issued by the Food Bank for any donations over $10.
Animal donations will be calculated based on the number of pounds of ground beef multiplied by the current fair market value.
Stats Canada fair market value for hamburger for September is $11.95/kg.