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Pennsylvania Beef foundation

Pennsylvania beef foundation

The purpose of the Pennsylvania Beef Foundation 501(c)(3) nonprofit initiative is exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

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Beefing up backpacks Program - helping feed hungry kids in pennsylvania 

Project Overview: Beefing Up Backpacks is on a mission to provide high-quality protein to children in need by adding a nutritious 1-ounce Beef Stick to every backpack distributed through Pennsylvania’s weekend food programs. These programs, operated entirely on donations and grants, offer essential meals to children facing food insecurity on weekends. Currently, less than 2% of the food in these backpacks is animal protein—a critical nutrient for growth and development. Beefing Up for Backpacks aims to bridge this gap by delivering shelf-stable, protein-rich beef sticks to kids across Pennsylvania.

The Need for Support: To make this mission a reality, we rely on the generosity of businesses, industry partners, and community members. By supporting Beefing Up for Backpacks, you are directly contributing to the fight against childhood hunger and helping students show up to school well-nourished and ready to learn.

How You Can Help: We are seeking both monetary and product donations to reach our goal of providing 500,000 beef sticks per week throughout Pennsylvania's school districts. 

  • Monetary Donations: Every dollar helps cover costs for beef sticks, distribution, and other essential program elements. 
  • Product Donations: We need donations of packaging materials, beef trim, seasonings, casings, and equipment to keep production costs low and quality high.
How to Donate: Please reach out to Amanda Butterfield, [email protected]  or (765) 730 – 9302, or Nichole Hockenberry, [email protected] or (570) 295 - 8049. Donations can be processed directly through our 501(c)(3) status under the Pennsylvania Beef Foundation, ensuring your contribution is tax-deductible.   

Be Part of the Solution: Join us in providing critical nutrition to Pennsylvania’s children. With your help, we can make a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of our future generations. Thank you for supporting the Beefing Up Backpacks program!

Learn More about the need >

Beefing Up for Backpacks: How You Can Make a Difference

How to Donate:

Your support can help us reach thousands of children in need. After receipt of payment a donor letter will be provided with EIN (Employer Identification Number), the date and amount of the donation and a declaration that the organization is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, making your donation tax-deductible.  Here’s how you can contribute:

  • Donate by Check - Please make your check payable to: 
  • Pennsylvania Beef Foundation 
  • 205 S Juliana Street Bedford, PA 15522 
  • Note: Place "Beefing Up Backpacks" in the memo 


Stay Connected 

Follow us on social media to stay updated on our progress, see stories from our beneficiaries, and learn more about how your support is making a difference. 

Thank You for Your Support! 

Together, we can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of Pennsylvania’s children, ensuring they have the nutrition they need to grow strong and thrive. 

For more information, please contact us Amanda Butterfield [email protected] (765) 730 – 9302 or Nichole Hockenberry [email protected] (570) 295 - 8049.

Learn More about donating to the program >

Program supporters