NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

Area families in need got a little relief from one of Eddy County's largest businesses this past weekend. North American Bison, LLC not only made a big donation of ground bison meat, it also partnered with the Hunger Free Food Pantry in New Rockford to distribute the product.

On Saturday, April 4, North American Bison, LLC employees gathered in the New Rockford City Hall parking lot with 1,000 lbs. of ground bison meat they had processed and packed locally.

The meat was then separated into bags containing 5 lbs. of meat, and each family that came by was able to take home one bag. Miller's Fresh Foods, NAPA Auto Parts and Central Pharmacy donated the plastic bags.

A total of 160 area families took meat home that morning. Another 172 lbs. of meat was donated to the Hope Center in Devils Lake. The 4th Corporation in New Rockford also received a generous donation, and the remainder was taken back to the food pantry to distribute there this past week.

Vice President of Operations Mike Jacobson said, "North American Bison is very proud to be a part of the New Rockford community. In such unsettling times, it's nice to partner with the Hunger Free Food Pantry and give back to families in need."

More than a dozen employees of North American Bison showed up to help that chilly April morning. Amy Perleberg, Bruce Hirchert and JoAnn Gaffrey volunteered on behalf of the Hunger Free Food Pantry.

"I am so proud of all the employees who took time from their daily lives to help and support their neighbors," said Jim Wells, President and CEO of North American Bison. "Here at North American Bison, one of our core company beliefs is to carry ourselves with humility when working together as we do in life. With the struggle of recent events in mind, this time reminds us all that having compassion for others on a daily basis is what makes us all relate to one another."

Bison meat is a great source of nutrition, as it's protein dense yet lean in fat. Bison also offers a useful amount of omega-3 fatty acids and a variety of essential nutrients, such as B vitamins, zinc and iron.

North American Bison, LLC plans to repeat the program again on Saturday, May 2 from 10 - 11 a.m. in the New Rockford City Hall parking lot. Another 1,000 lbs. of bison meat will be distributed in the same way.

North American Bison, LLC has been a part of the New Rockford community for over 25 years. The company processes nearly 4 million lbs. of bison meat each year in their little plant on the prairie.