College, food bank collaborate on meat for clients

Olds College and the Mountain View Food Bank (MVFB) have teamed up to help Mountain View County residents affected by the Fort McMurray wildfire and/or the current economic downturn.

In operation since 1987, the organization assists more than 250 families every month. This year, it has seen a 20 per cent increase in requests for food hampers, according to MVFB treasurer Harry Warner.

“Like so many organizations, there is more pressure to help people in need right now,” Warner says.

In recognition of the increased demand on the food bank, Olds College has established a partnership with the society that will help provide ground beef to be included in the approximately 250 hampers distributed each month to residents of Mountain View County.

This new initiative will see Olds College experts from the National Meat Training Centre processing any donated cattle from local area beef producers.

“The process is simple,” Warner says. “If a producer donates their animal to the Mountain View Food Bank, then we will provide the farmer with a charitable tax receipt based on the market value of the animal.

“The steer or cow can be taken to the National Meat Training Centre at Olds College and the students in the college's meat processing program will process the animal and the meat will then be sent from the college to the food bank. We can then include the beef in our food hampers.”

The food bank is hoping to have two animals per month donated. This would allow for inclusion of three pounds of hamburger per hamper, ensuring that those relying on the food bank are getting well-balanced food options.

Contents of food baskets are based on recommendations of the Canada Food Guide and include ground beef, along with other protein sources, canned vegetables, pasta, rice, coffee, tea and crackers, among other items.

The contents vary depending on availability, and on the household size of the recipients. Vouchers for baby formula are also distributed.

College officials say meat processing, inspection and labelling will be done up to government standards and will be carried out in college facilities.

Production costs will need to be covered by the food bank at an estimated amount of $150 per animal.

“As such, cash donations to the Food Bank are also needed,” an Olds College news release says.

Officials say all proceeds will go back into the college's meat processing program.

“We have roots in rural Alberta -- and farmers and ranchers are investing in the hands-on education that we provide at the National Meat Training Centre,” says Olds College National Meat Training Centre program manager Brad McLeod.

“We are appreciative of the local community for supporting our meat retail store,” he adds. “We want to show our support by giving back to the community by undertaking this partnership with the Mountain View Food Bank.”

Warner points out that the meat processing program at Olds College has supported the food bank on a number of different occasions. For instance, donated meat from local 4-H clubs is often processed at the college facilities for use in food hampers.

“Along with fostering philanthropy to the services of the Food Bank, this collaborative project will promote and support college staff and faculty in local volunteerism and activism,” the college news release says.

“By encouraging area farmers, alumni, and community leaders to engage in this venture, Olds College is proud to demonstrate its commitment to the central Alberta community.”

If you would like to take part in this initiative by donating an animal for meat processing to the Mountain View Food Bank, please contact Harry Warner at the food bank at 403-556-1693.

-- Content for this story was provided by Olds College.