Annual Meat Conference Exhibitors Donate 7,335 Pounds of Meat to Orlando Food Bank

This week 7,335 pounds of meat were donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida by exhibitors at the Annual Meat Conference, an event hosted by the American Meat Institute (AMI) and Food Marketing Institute (FMI) at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando February 19-21. The packages of steak, ground beef, pork, turkey, chicken, lamb and other cuts were highlighted during the conference’s Product Tasting Reception which featured nearly 40 exhibitors, many of whom were able to donate their meat that was not used at the reception. Leaders at the Second Harvest Food Bank estimate they will be able to provide 5,000 meals with the donated meat. “Orlando has always been a wonderful host to the hundreds of attendees at the Annual Meat Conference,” says AMI President and CEO J. Patrick Boyle. “We’re thrilled to be supportive of the community in such a meaningful way.” Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI, echoed, “The food retail industry maintains a rich tradition of community involvement as FMI members seek to feed families and enrich lives. We are glad to reflect that spirit of neighborhood supper in our Meat Conference’s donation to the Second Harvest Food Bank.” Annual Meat Conference exhibitors have donated thousands of pounds of meat to host communities over the years including more than 5,000 pounds of meat in Orlando in 2010. AMI and its members have also donated millions of pounds of meat through its partnership with Feeding America since 1989.