Nearly 8,000 lbs. of ground beef distributed to 10 different Pick. Co. organizations
The Pickaway County Community Foundation, with support from community donors, delivered 8,000 lbs. of ground beef to 10 different non-profit organizations this summer. These organizations then distributed the beef to food-insecure families throughout Pickaway County.
PCCF used the Food Insecurities Fund to purchase market steers at the 2024 Pickaway County Fair, with assistance from the Fair Board’s Livestock Sale Committee. Raised by local youth, the steers were purchased for $2.05 per pound, giving the youth fair market value for their animals and rewarding them for their hard work and expenses.
The beef was then picked up from the fair by Jim Cooksey from Train Station Meats and Market. The workers processed the beef, ultimately freezing it and storing it until PCCF could deliver it over two days in early July.
With the help of Pickaway County Community Action, which provided both volunteers and the use of their box truck, volunteers from Pickaway Area Recovery Services (PARS) and the PCCF Ag Committee delivered the beef to 10 different organizations supporting food-insecure individuals and families.
“This project is all about local kids raising local beef for local non-profits to help feed local families,” said Steven Collins, PCCF Director of Special Projects. “Rarely is there an opportunity where everyone benefits greatly from a project, and this is one such opportunity. In speaking with some local non-profits, the beef they receive lasts for several distributions and potentially months. One such organization shared that when they run out of beef, they move on to distributing hot dogs to the people they serve.”
During distribution, the men from PARS moved more than 6,000 lbs. of beef from racks into boxes, put the boxes onto pallets, and transported them to delivery locations. They then loaded the boxes of beef into freezers at each location, mostly by hand.
The Emergency Clearinghouse of Pickaway County, Haven House, Hope House, The Ashville Food Pantry, Derby UMC, Westfall CARES, PICCA, The Table, The Village Table, and the Community Kitchen all received beef as part of the project.
Many of the non-profit food recipients expressed their gratitude and shared how much the project means to them and their clients. For instance, the Emergency Clearinghouse of Pickaway County served 60,000 meals this summer, including 8,000 meals to children.
“When other sources of fresh protein dwindled, we were able to keep offering our best because we still had ground beef,” said Bradlie Pokrandt from the Emergency Clearinghouse. “That phrase was often repeated in the pantry this summer.”
Pokrandt added, “Moving into September, we still actually have one small freezer shelf with a bit of ground beef from the program to help us through the month. When we run out of supply, we rely on God’s providence through the support of our community.” The Clearinghouse uses donations to purchase items locally to make up for deficits in donations.
“Somehow, we always eke by with just enough from retail and individual donors and shelf-stable donations,” Pokrandt said. “But I say that very cautiously because we are experiencing a pronounced shortage right now and are scrambling to find solutions to the problem. Adding to that issue, running out of ground beef will markedly limit our options and reduce the nutritional quality of what we can provide to clients. Fresh ground hamburger, a dinnertime staple for most households, is just hard to come by.”
PCCF would like to thank Jim Cooksey and his staff at Train Station Meats, the gentlemen from PARS, the Pickaway County Sale Committee, PICCA, and the volunteers who helped make this project happen.
“Everyone involved goes above and beyond on this project each year, and we couldn’t be prouder of the result,” Collins said. “The volunteers from PARS were exceptional, moving actual tons of meat in the July heat. Without their help to move, box, and load the beef, delivery wouldn’t have gone as smoothly as it did. They displayed great teamwork and a positive attitude despite the uncomfortable July heat.”
We’d also like to thank the donors who help fund this project each year through donations to the Food Insecurities Fund. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible. This project is truly a win-win-win for all.
PCCF has begun planning for next year’s project. If your non-profit organization would like to be a beef recipient, please contact PCCF at info@yourpccf.org.
If you’re interested in supporting this project, you can make an online donation at www.yourpccf.org/community-funds, or by sending a donation to the PCCF office at 770 N. Court Street, Circleville, OH 43113.
PCCF, PICCA and Train Station Meats staff on delivery day. In total 8,000 lbs. was delivered over two days.
smooth and safe delivery.
