The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

We are working on a program to supply local beef at no cost to the school and senior center. We currently have 3-4 beef donated that will head to Livingston for processing the first parr of February. We are looking for 2-3 more bulls or cull cows in good condition that could be included this trip. We are at the beginning stages of this program, and with a little time, this is going to be a great addition to our community!! If you have interest in donating beef or making a monetary donation to purchase a cow for the school or senior center, or just have questions please call Shane Chauvet 406-399 3474.

What is their most urgent need? For this program to meet its full potential, we need on site, long term storage for the processed beef. A walk in freezer, located at the school, will store the beef for both the school and senior center. The cost of such a freezer is estimated to be approximately $25,000.00. We are relying on private sourced funding to make this purchase. Will there be savings using this program? Currently, the school spends approximately $11,000.00 annually for ground beef. By using donated beef processed in a no cost manner, the money normally budgeted for ground beef can be used for other dietary needs.

Who will oversee this program? A board will be formed to administer the program. Pioneering Local Lunches is a newly formed, not for profit program intended to provide local beef and locally grown flour and vegetables for the meal programs of both the Big Sandy School and Big Sandy Senior Center. No tax dollars will be used to fund this program.

There is a three year completion timeline created for the program. First: In January 2024 introduce locally grown beef into the meal programs of both the school and senior center. Second: In the fall 2024 install one 8X15 cooler for use by both the school and senior center. Third in the fall of 2024 Introduce the 100 bushel club. Four in the spring 2025 begin purchase of Montana grown vegetables, using some of the funds from the 100 bushel donations.

How you can help the Pioneer Local Lunches in 2024: Cattle producers can donate a cow for slaughter. The meat can be designated for either the school, the senior center, or both. Secondly, business, organizations and individuals can donate cash toward the program and pick a producer of their choice from whom to purchase a slaughter animal. The program has set a value of $1,000.00 per head of donated beef. Cash donations would qualify for a 5013c. Third private sponsorship, in addition to possible grants, will be needed to purchase the cooler.

To eliminate processing costs, the program will work with the not for profit, USDA inspected, Producer Partnership Processing plant in Livingston. Once several beef are donated, the Livingston group will pick up and transport the beef to Livingston, slaughter and process, and return the processed meat at no cost to the program. Producer Partnership was founded in 2020, the mission of Producer Partnership is to end hunger in Montana. Based in Livingston, Producer Partnership partners with Montana livestock producers by processing donated livestock into top quality protein and providing it to food banks. Since its founding, the Producer Partnership has been awarded 501 (c)3 nonprofit status, hired staff, built their own facility, gained federal inspection and donated nearly 250,000 pounds of Montana raised protein to Montana Food banks, networks, and other charities across Montana.

Should a donating producer choose to have their donated meat processed at a locally owned, USDA inspected plant, they may do so. However, the donating producer would be responsible for paying for the processing of their beef donation.