Despite signs of economic recovery, record numbers of families in Washington and across America are currently relying on food assistance. In fact, one in eight Americans will receive help in 2012 from local food banks. And among the most needed items are sources of high quality protein.
Washington’s own Wilcox Farms is donating more than 43,200 eggs to the Emergency Food Network on March 28 at 10:00am to help families struggling with food insecurity.
Wilcox Farms’ efforts are part of a national effort, organized by the United Egg Producers and Feeding America. For the fifth consecutive spring, America’s egg farmers are giving the Easter Bunny and families in need, a helping hand by donating nearly 10 million fresh eggs. That brings the number of eggs farmers have contributed since 2008 to 60 million — equaling nearly 5 million dozen.
“Wilcox Farms is a fourth generation family business, and we are proud to be partnering with the Emergency Food Network to provide much needed protein to the most needy in our community, especially during the Easter holiday season,” said Wendi Shaw of Wilcox Farms.
For food banks across America, high quality sources of protein, such as eggs, are especially needed and valued. According to the USDA, one large egg delivers six grams of protein, along with 13 essential nutrients, including choline, folate, iron and zinc. After a review of the nutrient composition of standard large eggs last year, USDA concluded that the average amount of cholesterol was 14 percent lower, and vitamin D content was 64 percent higher, than previously measured.
Each month in Pierce County, more than 110,000 people seek help with finding food. Of these individuals, 53 percent are children and seniors.
“If you’ve ever met an egg farmer, you know just how incredibly generous and giving these men and women are,” said Gene Gregory, president of United Egg Producers. “All year long, but especially at Easter, they proudly do what they can to support the communities in which they live and work.”
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About United Egg Producers
United Egg Producers (UEP) is the nation’s leading trade association for U.S. egg farmers, representing nearly 90 percent of U.S. egg farmers, whose members produce eggs including modern cage production, cage-free, free range, organic and other specialty eggs. UEP is based in Alpharetta, GA. To learn more about the egg industry visit www.uepcertified.com. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/UEPCertified or follow our updates on Twitter at twitter.com/UEPCertified.
About Emergency Food Network
Emergency Food Network (EFN) is a non-profit food distributer, providing food to food banks, shelters and hot meal sites throughout Pierce County, WA. In 2011, EFN distributed over 13.1 million pounds of food at no cost to the 67 emergency food sites it serves. As well as distributing food from its 20,000 square foot warehouse, EFN operates the 8-acre organic Mother Earth Farm located in the lush Puyallup Valley. The farm produces over 150,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables each growing season—all of which is distributed directly to local emergency feeding programs at no cost. Produce from the farm is in the hands of food bank clients within eight hours of being harvested. For more information about Emergency Food Network and how you can help in the fight against hunger visit www.efoodnet.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Emergency-Food-Network/108569055232. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/efoodnet. Text HUNGER to 85944 to make a $10 donation from your mobile phone.