The Nodaway County Cattlemen’s Association has donated over 300 pounds of ground beef to five local food pantries to address rising grocery costs and protein shortages through the Missouri EATs community initiative.
NODAWAY COUNTY, MO — In response to growing demand for food assistance and rising grocery costs, the Nodaway County Cattlemen’s Association has donated more than 300 pounds of ground beef to food pantries across the county.
The donation was coordinated by Nodaway County Economic Development (NCED) and University of Missouri Extension as part of Nodaway County’s participation in Missouri EATs (Engage–Act–Transform).
Five food pantries each received 60 pounds of ground beef: Barnard Christian Church Food Pantry, Hopkins Food Pantry, Skidmore Food Pantry, South Nodaway Food Pantry, and West Nodaway Food Pantry.
The donation resulted from a recent discussion among local food pantry and meal program leaders, who attended a meeting called by the Missouri EATs Community Volunteer Network Committee. During those conversations, pantry coordinators identified ground beef as a need, particularly as meat prices continue to rise and families struggle to meet their basic nutritional needs.
“Ground beef is one of the most requested proteins at local food pantries and plays an important role in helping families prepare balanced, nutritious meals,” said Kim Mildward, Project Manager with Nodaway County Economic Development (NCED). “As meat prices continue to rise, donations like this help ensure families can still access high-quality protein.”
Missouri EATs, supported by the University of Missouri Extension, focuses on strengthening local food systems and improving access to healthy food through community collaboration. In Nodaway County, the initiative has brought food providers, community organizations, and local producers together to identify shared challenges and practical solutions.
“This is a great example of how coordination and local partnerships can turn conversation into action,” said Josh McKim, Executive Director of Nodaway County Economic Development. “When producers, service providers, and community organizations work together, we can respond more effectively to the needs we’re seeing across the county.”
Food pantry representatives expressed appreciation for the Nodaway County Cattlemen’s Association and noted that donations of protein help families stretch limited food budgets while supporting healthier meals, especially during the winter months.
Local food providers plan to continue meeting through Missouri EATs and Community Volunteer Network efforts to strengthen coordination, share resources, and improve access to food for residents throughout Nodaway County.
More information about Nodaway County’s MO EATs initiative, NCED, and its programs can be found at www.nodaway.biz.
Nodaway Chorale Starts Spring Rehearsal Season