STURGIS, S.D. – May is National Beef Month and Feeding South Dakota is encouraging residents to “Beef It Up.” The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation, Beef Industry Council, and Retailers Association are joining the effort to provide beef to individuals facing hunger.
National Beef Month is a time to celebrate cattle ranchers and the beef industry. To honor this month, Feeding South Dakota is launching its first-ever “Beef It Up, South Dakota” campaign from May 1st to May 31st.
This collaborative effort between Feeding South Dakota, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation, the South Dakota Beef Industry Council, and the South Dakota Retailers’ Association.
The primary goal of the campaign is to raise funds to provide beef products to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. In South Dakota alone, nearly 73,000 people lack access to the nutritious food necessary for their well-being, with rural and farm communities facing unique challenges that contribute to higher rates of food insecurity.
Kimberly Wallace, Western District Center Manager at Feeding South Dakota, emphasizes the importance of the campaign in addressing these challenges. “We know that when budgetary restraints happen, people are definitely cutting things like healthy proteins and fresh produce,” she explains. “So, the Cattlemen’s Beef Foundation and the South Dakota Beef Industry Council, as well as the South Dakota Retailers, really came together and they felt like this is an opportunity for them to step in and help. So, we’re really excited about it.”
As part of the campaign, Parker Freeze Dry in Beresford, near Sioux Falls, will be matching donations throughout the month. This partnership aims to ensure that families in need have access to a staple part of their diet.
“We’re here to end hunger in South Dakota, and we are a beef state,” Wallace emphasizes. “It is so valuable to our families… It can really make a difference for a family to have a beef donation happen for them.”
Wallace says they do take protein as donations, but it don’t always go towards their distribution list because they need a higher quantity. “We serve from 4000 to 5000 families a month. So we need a large quantity. Again, that’s why having this month long opportunity really helps our mission. But those smaller donations are definitely valuable,” says Wallace.
Feeding South Dakota encourages community involvement and welcomes volunteers to assist with packing food or distributing meals. Those interested in donating or volunteering can visit their website. With Parker Freeze Dry matching donations this month, every contribution is important, says Wallace.
