FRANKFORT  — Kentucky’s beef cattle producers shared their products with Kentucky’s less fortunate during the Beef Month proclamation ceremony today on the Capitol grounds.

Representatives of the Kentucky Beef Council (KBC) donated 2,000 pounds of Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef to God’s Pantry Food Bank following the proclamation signing to kick off the KBC’s #BeefMonthGivesBack campaign.

“Kentucky is the leading beef cattle state east of the Mississippi River, and I would add that we are the most generous,” Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles said. “This donation will make thousands of meals for hungry Kentuckians in need of nutritious local food. I hope all Kentuckians will show appreciation for our family farmers during Beef Month by buying Kentucky Proud beef products.”

“We’re so grateful to Kentucky’s beef cattle producers for their compassionate support of those in need,” said Michael Halligan, CEO of God’s Pantry Food Bank. “Today’s donation will provide many hungry families with nutritious, locally sourced protein. Along with the Kentucky Beef Council, the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, Beef Solutions, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, we’re working together to fight hunger and deliver hope.”

KBC has partnered with Commissioner Quarles and the Kentucky Association of Food Banks for its #BeefMonthGivesBack campaign.

“We’re proud to kick off Beef Month at the Capitol celebrating Kentucky’s 38,000 cattle farmers while also dedicating May to giving back to Kentucky communities in need,” said Dave Maples, executive vice president of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. “We encourage folks to celebrate Kentucky with us this May by firing up your grills with beef and joining our cause to fight hunger.”

Those interested in joining the cause can purchase a “Beef. Bourbon. Bluegrass.” T-shirt online at provisionsky.com or in-store at Wildcat Wearhouse. For every T-shirt purchased, 50 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Kentucky Association of Food Banks. The collaborative effort comes as a part of Commissioner Quarles’ Hunger Initiative, which the KDA started in 2016 to fight the unfortunate reality that 1 in 6 Kentuckians are food insecure.

Governor Matt Bevin signed the proclamation designating May as Beef Month in Kentucky. Commissioner Quarles and KCA President Bobby Foree also spoke. The ceremony was preceded by a cookout of hamburgers and beverages on the Capitol lawn.

Kentucky had more than 1 million beef cows as of Jan. 1, more than any other state east of the Mississippi River. Cattle sales generated nearly $734 million in cash receipts to Kentucky farmers in 2016.

For Kentucky-inspired beef recipes and more information about Kentucky Beef Month, including how you can join the #BeefMonthGivesBack hunger cause, go to kybeef.com.