Feb 24, 2012
Orlando, FL, February 23, 2012 – 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 5000 meals with the donated meat.

“Orlando has always been a wonderful host to the hundreds of attendees at the Annual Meat Conference,” said 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. For more information please visit: here.

###

AMI represents the interests of packers and processors of beef, pork, lamb, veal and turkey products and their suppliers throughout North America. Together, AMI’s members produce 95 percent of the beef, pork, lamb and veal products and 70 percent of the turkey products in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Institute provides legislative, regulatory, public relations, technical, scientific and educational services to the industry. Its affiliate, the AMI Foundation, is a separate 501(c)3 organization that conducts research, education and information projects for the industry.

Food Marketing Institute (FMI) conducts programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations on behalf of its nearly 1,250 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI’s U.S. members operate more than 25,000 retail food stores and almost 22,000 pharmacies with a combined annual sales volume of nearly $650 billion. FMI’s retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, regional firms and independent operators. Its international membership includes 126 companies from more than 65 countries. FMI’s nearly 330 associate members include the supplier partners of its retail and wholesale members.