July is Beef Month  

July is Beef Month in Idaho! Did you know that there are more head of cattle than people in Idaho? The Idaho Foodbank is pleased to partner with this important industry as we work to help our neighbors facing food insecurity.    

Protein is an essential part of a of a healthy, balanced diet. In fiscal year 2023, 16 percent of the food we distributed was protein. We work to have a variety of protein available to our Food Distribution Partners.  

   Beef Counts, which began in 2010, is a program designed to provide a consistent supply of high-quality protein throughout the year to The Idaho Foodbank. This is done with both cash and cattle contributions made by the beef industry in Idaho. Since the program began, it has provided 2.2 million servings of beef to Idahoans who are struggling to make ends meet. Beef is a highly desired food by many of the people served by The Idaho Foodbank. 

“We know that protein is an important component of a healthy diet,” said John Hepton with Idaho cattle feeders. “We are excited to work with The Idaho Foodbank to make beef and other nutritious food available to the people in our community who are struggling.” 

We are grateful for the Idaho Beef Council, Idaho cattle feeders, Agri Beef, and all the organizations, businesses and families in Idaho’s beef community for their continued support of our mission. 

“The Beef Counts program is a great way to give back to the community” said Trish Dowton, Lemhi County cow/calf producer. “As a rancher, I believe strongly in the quality and commitment that goes into producing beef and beef products in this state. As a good neighbor, I and other ranchers want to make sure that all Idahoans have access to the nutrient-dense protein of our beef.”

Idaho’s beef community is joined by other food producers and companies across Idaho in their year-round support of providing critical nutrition to Idahoans who are experiencing hunger.    

You can learn more about Beef Counts and how you can support the program here:

Thank you to all of our supporters of the Beef Counts Program: 

AgWest Farm Credit 

Zions Bank 

Paul Nettleton, Joyce Ranch 

Pendleton Whiskey

Bill Lickley Family

Idaho Cattle Association 

Idaho CattleWomen Council 

Agri Beef 

Wilson Creek Cattle Feeders 

Reynolds Creek Calf Ranch 

Hepton Livestock LLC 

Advantage Veterinary 

Wilder Cattle Feeders 

Weiser River Cattle Feeders 

Diamond Peak Cattle Feeders 

Idaho Beef Council