MAINE EGG FARMER DONATES 180,000 EGGS JUST IN TIME FOR EASTER
Farmers to donate 9 million fresh eggs to food banks nationwide
Auburn, ME (March 13, 2013) – Moark, LLC, a Land O’Lakes wholly-owned egg subsidiary, is helping in the fight against hunger by donating 180,000 eggs to Good Shepherd Food Bank on March, 13 at 10:00 a.m. to help families struggling with food insecurity.
Families continue to struggle to put food on their tables, leading more and more to turn to food assistance organizations across the country for help. In fact, more than 48 million Americans live in food insecure homes.
“High quality sources of protein, such as nutrient-dense eggs, are especially needed and greatly valued,” said Kristen Miale, president at Good Shepherd Food Bank. “This donation goes a long way for families who often go without nutritious meals. We couldn’t be more grateful.”
Good Shepherd Food Bank works with a network of 600 local hunger relief organizations statewide to provide more than 10 million meals a year to Maine families in need of a helping hand.
“Moark is proud to be partnering with Good Shepherd Food Bank to provide much needed protein to the most needy in our community, especially during the Easter holiday season,” said Bob Hodges, of Moark.
Among the most needed items at food assistance organizations are sources of high quality protein, such as fresh eggs. According to the USDA, one large egg delivers six grams of protein and 13 essential nutrients such as choline, folate, iron and zinc. Additionally, the USDA concluded in 2011 that the average amount of cholesterol was 14 percent lower and vitamin D content was 64 percent higher than previously thought.
“Year-round our generous farmers donate fresh eggs to their local food assistance organizations,” stated Chad Gregory, president and CEO of United Egg Producers. “We come together during the Easter season to give a little extra and make fresh eggs available to food insecure families across the country.”
For the sixth consecutive Easter season, the United Egg Producers have organized a nationwide effort to give food insecure families a helping hand. U.S. egg farmers are donating nine million fresh eggs this year, bringing the total number of fresh eggs donated by egg farmers since 2008 to 69 million. Consumers can also participate in the nationwide effort by going to www.facebook.com/UEPCertified and pledging to buy UEP-certified eggs. For every pledge received, United Egg Producers will donate one carton of eggs to a local food assistance organization.
# # #
About United Egg Producers
United Egg Producers (UEP) is the nation’s leading trade association for U.S. egg farmers, representing about 95 percent of U.S. egg production. UEP members produce eggs using various systems including conventional cage production, enriched cages, cage-free, free range, organic and other specialty eggs. UEP is currently asking congress to amend the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments which will provide egg laying hens with more space and allow them to perform their natural behaviors such as perching, scratching and laying their eggs in a private nest box area. For more information, visit www.uepcertified.com and www.eggbill.com. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/UEPCertified or follow our updates on Twitter at twitter.com/UEPCertified.
About Good Shepherd Food Bank
The largest hunger relief organization in Maine, Good Shepherd Food Bank provides for those at risk of hunger by acquiring surplus and purchased food and distributing it to more than 600 partner agencies across Maine. Since 1981, the Food Bank has partnered with individuals, businesses, farmers, and other nonprofits to alleviate hunger and build community relationships. In 2012 the Food Bank distributed 13 million pounds of food to families in need. Phone: (207) 782-3554; Website: www.gsfb.org; Facebook: www.facebook.com/feedingmaine; Twitter: www.twitter.com/feedingmaine.