Buy Agri Beef - With UPDATE

Saw an article buried in the newspaper today that Agri Beef, out of Boise, has donated $50,000 and $77,000 worth in beef and pork to Second Harvest, our local food bank. Here is video of the event. Seems above and beyond the call of duty, don't you think? Made me wonder: what controversy has led them to this altruistic act? So I did a little research. Couldn't find any scandal. All I get is "highly respected." Seems to be a homegrown company, family owned. Their website has a section under Policies and Programs entitled "animal well being." And they've donated $50,000 to Second Harvest every year for the past five years. Hmmm. So, they're really just doing this out of the goodness of their collective heart? How do I sign up?

This is my commitment - and encouragement to the rest of you. Buy Agri Beef. En masse (to the extent that this little blog reaches any masses). I can't really figure out how to make sure to buy Agri Beef, unfortunately. Apparently they deliver to 18 states, so they're wide range (ha ha). Associated brands, according to their website, are Double Ranch, Snake River Farms, St. Helens Beef and Rancho El Oro, if that helps. I guess I'll ask at the stores where I normally shop - local, all. But kudos to them, for caring. That's the sort of corporate consciousness this country needs.

UPDATE: For those of you who can't read the "comments" section (and some people can't), I heard from Chef Alan Turner from AB (Agri Beef) Foods. Thanks, Alan! He explains what I surmised - that they do this because it's the right thing to do. Here's his full comment - it includes a list of Spokane stores that sell their products - Rosauers, Huckleberries (my favorite!), The Trading Company, Harvest Foods and Family Foods:

Beth,

I read your post with a big grin on my face. I am one of those altruistic folks at Agri Beef and I'm writing to tell you that you got it right. We work for a family owned company that has enjoyed great success raising and producing Beef and Pork here in the Northwest. It's our commitment to quality products and high business standards that has ensured our success. While Second Harvest was receiving a check and our product in Spokane, our truck was being unloaded here in Boise at the Idaho Food Bank by over 20 folks from our Office here. After the Beef and Pork were safely in the freezer and an identical check presented to the Food Bank, we stayed and sorted groceries in the Food Bank warehouse for several hours. Why? Because we can, and we should. Pretty simple stuff. We produce food for the people of this country and because they have supported us for years, we are able to give back to those that need our help. Because we should. There's your answer.

I can help you out with how to find our products in your area. As I said, we are very proud of the Brands that we produce and I believe that it is the highest quality Beef and Pork you can buy. In the Spokane area, our products can be purchased by consumers at The Trading Company, Rosauers, Huckleberries, Harvest Foods and Family Foods.

So thanks for your very kind words, it means a lot to me. If you ever have any questions about the preparation of our products please feel free to contact me. That's my job.

Chef Alan Turner
alan.turner@abfoodsusa.com