PROVINCE DONATES BEEF TO FOOD BANKS

Premier Lorne Calvert announced today that the province of Saskatchewan is donating 40,000 pounds of ground meat to Saskatchewan's food banks, matching a donation by XL Foods Inc. of Moose Jaw.

"I want to commend XL Foods for this generous contribution to our provincial food bank network," Premier Calvert said.

"Our government is proud to match their donation, which will provide food bank clients throughout the province with 80,000 pounds of quality ground meat, and at the same time help – in a small way – to support Saskatchewan's livestock industry until our border reopens to Canadian products."

The ground meat, in frozen one-pound packages, is a mixture of beef and bison. It will be delivered by month-end to the Regina and Saskatoon food banks, along with six northern and five southern food bank affiliates including Biggar and District, Carlyle and District, Meadow Lake, Lanigan and District, Melfort and Area, Melville, Moose Jaw, Outlook, Prince Albert, Unity and Watrous.

"The impact of recent events in the livestock industry has dramatically affected the community and the producers," XL Foods President Lee Nilsson said. "Our donation of pure Canadian ground beef and bison helps move some of the oversupply, at the same time assisting the food banks in western Canada."

"Having adequate protein is the dream of every food bank in Canada," Food Banks of Saskatchewan CEO Ed Bloos said. "To get this kind of a donation is like having Christmas several times a year."

Producers and food processors wishing to donate food to Saskatchewan food banks can call 1-800-567-8008 to co-ordinate their donation, which may qualify for a tax credit. The Saskatchewan Food Bank Association has member food banks in 13 communities across the province.

The U.S. and several other of Canada's trading partners closed their borders to Canadian beef and cattle after the discovery of a single case of BSE in Alberta on May 20th.

"The Province of Saskatchewan continues to work with other provinces and the federal government to address the critical issue of opening the border as soon as possible," Calvert said. "In the meantime, we can show our support for the Canadian and Saskatchewan livestock industries through initiatives such as this, until Canadian products begin moving again."

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For More Information, Contact:

Rob Cunningham Media Services Regina Phone: (306)787-6349	Ed Bloos Food Banks of Saskatchewan Regina Phone: (306)791-6530
Lee Nilsson XL Foods Inc. Calgary Phone: (403)258-3233