Roundup, MT ~ The Montana Cattlemen's Association Foundation, partnered with the Montana Food Bank Network, continues to feed Montana's hungry. This week, MCA Animal ID Chairman Hugh Broadus, Foundation President Dennis McDonald, and Executive Director Jeremy Seidlitz delivered approximately 700 pounds of ground beef to Family Services, Inc. of Billings, and the Musselshell County Food Bank in Roundup. This is the sixth animal that has been processed and delivered as part of the program.

"While our Beef-On-Every-Plate program has started to gather some momentum, I am truly humbled by the responses we receive when we deliver the hamburger. The need is overwhelming," said McDonald. "As a rancher, I have access to beef every day, but as I travel to these food banks across the state, there are a lot of folks across Montana who do not share this same luxury. Those on fixed incomes and working single parents are really being squeezed by today's economy."

The McDonald family, Open Spear Ranch, donated the beef that was delivered this week. Big Timber Meats in Big Timber generously donated the processing costs of the1500 pound bull.

Montana Food Bank Network's facilities have been hurt by the recent recall of beef from California. McDonald noted, "When we were up in Roundup, we learned that the Musselshell food bank had lost nearly 300 pounds of beef due to the Westland/Hallmark recall. The importance of the Beef-On-Every-Plate program is evident-now, more than ever."

"We have received some excellent media coverage about this project recently, which has lead to an increase in monetary contributions for processing costs of these animals. The outpouring of support from across the state has been tremendous. During the past week, we have received enough money through grants, donations, and donated labor to process approximately 20 animals," continued McDonald. "I feel confident that we will be able to reach our goal of processing 100 animals this year. We now need Montana's cattle producers to help out the program and donate that cow or bull they had planned to take to the sale ring!"

To make a contribution, please contact the MCA office at (406) 259-5433 or Dennis McDonald at (406) 537-2333. The MCA Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit corporation, so all donations - beef or cash - are fully tax deductible as a charitable expense.