Florida Ranchers are Feeding Florida
Statewide food bank association launches Florida beef recovery program
To quote FCA President-Elect Rick Moyer, “I believe that beef should be an option for the major source of protein for all Florida families.”
Feeding Florida agrees.
Feeding Florida’s network of nine food banks provides a nutritious and consistent food supply to every community, every county, every day. Our food banks provide nutrient-rich options, like protein, dairy, and fresh produce, in addition to shelf stable products. Through the Farmers Feeding Florida program, we work closely with the state’s farmers and have recovered more than 274 million pounds of produce from Florida growers over the past 9 years—positively impacting the state’s produce supply chains.
Feeding Florida set out on a mission to expand our program to include Florida proteins, understanding Florida’s cattle ranchers have the resources and knowledge to make a difference for the 2.3 million Floridians facing hunger.
Almost one year ago, Feeding Florida and Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) established a task force to create a beef recovery program utilizing mature Florida beef or dairy cattle no longer in production. With Rick Moyer at the helm, the task force developed a simple, yet effective process in which Florida ranchers can donate cull cattle to be processed into ground beef. Feeding Florida’s network of nine food banks across the state can then distribute the meat locally through the statewide network.
“Since I have been involved with Feeding Florida’s effort to put beef on the table of food insecure families, I have realized the stark reality that there are people that, for one reason or another, don’t have beef as an option to provide to their family and that hurts my soul,” said Moyer. “So, any time that Florida cattle producer can provide that protein to those families it’s a win-win.”
Why Beef? Why Feeding Florida?
“Beef is a protein superstar. With just one 3 oz. cooked serving of beef, you are getting ten essential nutrients, including about half your daily value for protein,” said Donna Quincey of Quincey Cattle, who recently participated in a distribution of her own ranch’s beef in Chiefland Florida. “By working as a volunteer at our local area food bank, I have seen firsthand food insecurities, and I know the value of a good protein to a family.”
That is the goal— providing more nutrient-rich beef to the families that need it most. It is also a benefit to the ranchers, as Moyer noted that Florida’s ranchers face rising costs of production and continuous pressure from alternative uses for their land. This partnership can provide a “leg up” to market their beef within our state while giving back to their neighbors in need.
“There is nothing greater or more rewarding than giving back to your community,” said Joe Planz of Providence Cattle. “Since we have been partnering with Feeding Florida, we have been able to help those within our own community who are struggling to put food on their table or just need a meal now and then.”
Want to Partner?
“Since the partnership between FCA and Feeding Florida began last fall, we’ve made a substantial addition of protein to our food supply, distributing more than 606,000 pounds of Florida beef across the state,” said Robin Safley, Feeding Florida’s CEO. “It is critical that people facing hunger get a balanced diet year-round, including high protein items. We look forward to expanding this program to feed even more Floridians with Florida-grown beef.”
Ranchers can participate beginning this fall when the cull season kicks off. Feeding Florida seeks the donation of mature beef/dairy cattle in good health. Ranchers will receive a donation receipt which includes the market value of the animals donated for tax purposes. To get started as a partner, visit https://www.feedingflorida.org/food-access/farmers-feeding-florida/beef-recovery.
This article was originally published in The Florida Cattlemen and Livestock Journal, August 2024
Volume 88, Issue No. 11, page 66
