The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association is back with their Beef Drive to help fight hunger during the holiday season.

SSGA President Shane Jahnke says our members just wanted to pitch in and help people.

Last year the SSGA thought 1,000 pounds of packaged ground beef would be a realistic target. By the end of the inaugural campaign, Saskatchewan ranchers had donated 8,500 pounds of beef worth $48,000.

This year their goal is to contribute 10,000 pounds of fresh ground beef, and they’re well on their way.

On World Food Day October 16, the SSGA donated 3,000 pounds to the food banks and have already donated a total of 4,000 pounds this fall.

Producers donate beef cattle or cash towards processing, and three packers - Treen Packers, West Bridgeford Meats and Western Prime Meat Processors – process the meat.

The Beef Drive got a $10,000 US boost from Elanco Animal Health's 100 Communities initiative, whose goal is to eliminate hunger in 100 communities worldwide.

Steve Compton, Executive Director of Food Banks of Saskatchewan, said the Beef Drive fills an important need.

More information on how to donate to the beef drive is available at www.skstockgrowers.com or by calling the SSGA office at (306) 757-8523.