A partnership between Northwest Harvest and the Washington Beef Commission is ensuring many hungry neighbors in need have a proper holiday feast this season.
The Washington Beef Commission and ranchers across the state have donated 650 beef roasts to shoppers at the SODO Community Market.
"Beef is nutrient-dense, it has the proteins that people need, that is in line with Northwest Harvest's commitment to providing equitable access to nutritious food," said Development Director for Northwest Harvest Laura Hamilton. "We're grateful that ranchers across the state come together to provide what is typically a very expensive item, both for Northwest Harvest to procure for our shoppers and also for families to have."
"This is just a way for us to give back to the community," said Roy Osborn, a dairy farmer from Chehalis.
The Beef Counts program has given away over 2.5 million servings of beef since 2010. The Washington beef community has volunteered more than 3,500 volunteer hours to assist at Beef Counts mobile food distributions and this week celebrated the latest annual offering at the SODO community market.
Beef roasts are packed up with potatoes, onions, squash, carrots and more. Bananas and watermelon are also available to round out a genuine holiday feast.
Currently, one in 11 Washington residents is facing food insecurity. Hamilton says Northwest Harvest continues to see upwards of a thousand people coming through the SODO Community Market each day.
"People really still are needing to find nutritious foods. They're needing those protein sources, they're needing the fresh produce that we can provide for them, and we're grateful to all of our partners who help make this possible," Hamilton said.
KING 5’s annual Home Team Harvest drive to benefit Northwest Harvest is underway. This year’s goal is to raise 21 million meals. Ways to donate: Online at king5.com/hometeamhavest, text “HOMETEAM” to 41444 or starting Nov. 1, visit your local Safeway or Albertson’s to give $5, $10 or $12 toward grocery cards.