Released on August 21, 2008
Hundreds of low-income families across Saskatchewan are now receiving quality pork, thanks to a donation from the Province of Saskatchewan.
In April, Premier Brad Wall announced $440,000 in funding to process sows into pork for Saskatchewan Food Banks. The sows were culled as a result of the National Cull Breeding Swine Program. The processed pork is now being distributed to Saskatchewan families in need through food banks and other charitable organizations in the province. Sask Pork coordinated the processing, delivery and distribution of the pork.
"We're committed to working with food banks across the province and other community partners to ensure that nutritious food is available for low income Saskatchewan people," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "We applaud the efforts of Sask Pork and the Food Banks of Saskatchewan as they continue to work with us to ensure the meat is distributed to individuals and families who need it."
"We are pleased to partner in this initiative and to provide support for Saskatchewan's families in need," Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "Many families will benefit from this donation, making the best of an otherwise trying year in the hog industry."
In total, more than 500,000 lbs. of processed pork has been delivered to Saskatchewan food banks and their partner organizations throughout the province. The meat provided will ensure that Saskatchewan families in need have good quality pork for nearly one full year. This includes the winter season, a time when it is most needed.
"It has been wonderful to see how Saskatchewan pork producers, Sask Pork, the Province and our association have been able to partner together to help our neighbours in need," said Food Banks of Saskatchewan Executive Director, Bill Hall. "We realize that this much needed meat donation comes with a high price when we consider the circumstances that allowed us to obtain it."
The National Cull Breeding Swine Program officially began on April 14, 2008. It is a $50 million federal initiative to reduce the size of Canada's pig herd due to high feed costs and low market prices. Saskatchewan was the first province in Canada to announce the donation of pork to local food banks, following the announcement of the National Cull Breeding Swine Program.
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For more information, contact:
Jenna Webb
Saskatchewan Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jenna.webb@gov.sk.ca
Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: brian.miller@gov.sk.ca