(Guelph, ON) - Leading into the holiday season, the Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) has committed to provide $40,000 in financial support to continue its partnership with the Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB) in 2016. Since the inception of the beef program, announced in 2014, BFO and OAFB have provided 45,500 servings of fresh ground beef for Ontario families in need. BFO's support for local food banks will go towards the direct purchase of fresh beef products from Ontario’s farmers and will be leveraged for matching funds from industry partners.
“We are truly grateful for the partnership that we have with Ontario's beef farmers,” says Sharon Lee, Executive Director of the OAFB. “Protein is by far the most needed item by our food banks. The financial contribution made by BFO will provide 15,000 lbs of fresh ground beef and will go a long way in providing Ontario’s hungry with fresh protein that is so important for a healthy diet.”
OAFB works hard to ensure local food banks can provide well-balanced and healthy food hampers to their clients which includes fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh milk, and ground meat. Donations like this to OAFB enable children and adults living with hunger to have access to healthy protein, alongside fresh and non-perishable food staples, throughout the year.
"The holiday season is a time for giving and for providing a lending hand to those in need. We are thankful for our relationship with OAFB and the opportunity it creates for us to give back to our communities," shares Bob Gordanier, BFO President. "Being a part of the solution for hunger is important. Farmers work hard to raise and grow safe and healthy food, and ensuring that everyone has access to this must be a priority."
Through their joint partnership, OAFB and BFO have distributed 15,000 lbs of fresh ground beef to more than 80 food banks across the province.
Source: BFO