The Beef On Every Plate Program was developed in 2007 as a collaborative effort between the Montana Cattlemen’s Association and the Montana Food Bank Network. At the time the Montana Food Bank Network was contacting ranchers and statewide cattle organizations trying to figure out an easy way to get cattle donated to meet the growing need across Montana. The Cattlemen were meanwhile looking for a way to engage their membership while helping address the growing need for meat at Montana food banks.

 

How it Works:

 

The Montana Cattlemen’s Association approaches its members and asks them to “ride for the brand” and donate cattle. The rancher then arranges for transport and processing of the animal at their local meat processing facility. Oftentimes, the rancher agrees to cover the processing fee themselves. Sometimes the rancher cannot cover the processing fees but the processor will waive the processing fee. In situations where the neither the rancher nor the processor is able to cover the processing costs the Montana Food Bank Network covers the fee usually at a reduced rate negotiated with the processor.

 

Results:

 

To this point in 2009, 83 animals have been donated for a total of about 25,000 pounds of hamburger. Given the generosity of Montana’s cattle ranchers and meat processors as well as the hard work of the Montana Cattlemen’s Association, these 25,000 pounds of meat cost the Montana Food Bank Network only 44 cents per pound!

 

How to get involved:

 

Please contact James Dodge at the Montana Food Bank Network to learn how you can help put Beef on Every Plate in Montana.

James Dodge

(406) 721-3825 x-226