Kitchener, Ontario – The Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB) is pleased to announce that Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) is the recipient of the 2015 Paul Mistele Award for its contribution of over 45,500 servings of fresh ground beef for Ontario families in need.
Named for the late farm leader who founded Ontario Pork’s Donate-A-Hog program in 1998, the Paul Mistele Memorial Award recognizes agricultural partners that have shown a significant and enduring commitment to ending hunger in Ontario. The award was presented to Beef Farmers of Ontario on October 29th, 2015 at Farm & Food Care Canada’s annual Harvest Gala.
In the last year, BFO provided $40,000 in funding for the purchase of 15,000 lbs of fresh, ground beef (or approximately 45,500 servings) for children and adults living with hunger in Ontario.
“We are truly grateful for the amazing contribution made by Beef Farmers of Ontario”, said Sharon Lee, Executive Director of the OAFB. “This product was distributed to more than 80 food banks across the province and will make a huge difference in the health and accessibility of fresh protein for those in need.”
Ontario’s food banks work hard to provide well-balanced and healthy food hampers to their clients, including fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh milk, and ground meat. The generous donation of $40,000 by BFO will make a tremendous impact in helping Ontario’s Food Banks ensure that children and adults living with hunger have access to healthy protein, alongside fresh and non-perishable food staples, throughout the year.
"We are honoured to be recognized for our contribution to the Ontario Association of Food Banks. We thank the OAFB management, staff and network of volunteers for their dedicated efforts in providing nutrition for families in need," shared Bob Gordanier, BFO President. "Beef farmers are proud to be part of the solution for hunger in rural and urban communities across the province." Past recipients of the Paul Mistele Memorial Award include the Ontario Dairy Council, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, and Ontario Milk Transport Association (2009); Nature Fresh Farms (2010); Turkey Farmers of Ontario (2011); Whittamore’s Farm (2012); Ontario Pork, Zoetis, Shur-Gain, Elanco, Mable Honor Farm – The Fraser Family (2013), and Egg Farmers of Ontario (2014).
The Ontario Harvest Gala, attended by 300 farmers and agricultural industry supporters, is organized annually by the Farm & Food Care Foundation. The Farm & Food Care Foundation develops and supports programs to communicate with Canadians, thus helping to build confidence and trust in food and farming.
Source: OntarioBeef