Saskatchewan pork producer gives away full bellies

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Thanks to the generosity of a Saskatchewan pork producer and a processor, food banks across the province have a lot more to fill up their Christmas hampers.

For the ninth year in a row, Big Sky Farms, Inc., a Humboldt-based hog production company, teamed with Mitchell’s Gourmet Foods to deliver a 10-tonne donation of fresh pork to Saskatchewan food banks.

Big Sky Farms contributes the pork, which Mitchell’s then processes and wraps for distribution. The Regina and Saskatoon food banks each received 5,000 kilograms (five tonnes) of pork, while food banks in Canora, Wadena and Humboldt each received 500-kilogram donations.

Big Sky Farms CEO Florian Possberg says the Christmas donation tradition is one of his favourite ways to give back to communities that support the pork industry in Saskatchewan.

“Even though this has been a bit of a rocky year for our industry, we are still very fortunate,” said Possberg. “We are happy to know that we’re helping put Christmas dinner on the table for families who need it the most.”

After nearly a decade of receiving this donation, the food banks know they can trust that the truck will pull up right on time every December.

“This donation is something we’ve come to count on over the years,” said Saskatoon Food Bank Executive Director Bob Pringle. “It’s nice to be able to share with all of the food bank’s clients, who don’t always have meat to include in their meals because it is such an expensive item.”

The size of the donation is also a gift to food bank clients, who are sometimes prioritized based on need.

“Usually when we have meat, it goes to families with children first,” said Regina Food Bank CEO Wayne Helquist. “A donation of this size means single adults and couples will also be able to enjoy a nice holiday meal.” Helquist said clients are always sure to let them know the donation is appreciated.

Big Sky has its corporate headquarters in Humboldt, and owns and operates swine production units in the Humboldt, Goodeve, Kelvington, Lintlaw, Preeceville, Sturgis, Ogema, Rama and Porcupine Plain areas.

Big Sky is one of the largest pork producers in Western Canada. Mitchell’s is located in Saskatoon and owned by Maple Leaf Foods of Canada.

For more information, contact:

Florian Possberg, CEO
Big Sky Farms, Inc.
Ph: (306) 682-5041
Bob Pringle, Executive Director
Saskatoon Food Bank
Ph: (306) 664-6565