The Van Wert County Courthouse

Friday, Mar. 29, 2024

Cooper donates meat to area food banks

VW independent/submitted information

OAKWOOD — In 2018, Cooper Farms donated nearly 210,000 pounds of meat, helping to fulfill a need for protein at area foodbanks.

The products, a variety of cooked, ready-to-cook and canned meat items, were donated to not only foodbanks, but also for area events and organizations.

Cooper Farms workers load processed meat onto a truck to donate to area food banks. Cooper photo

“It is important to us that we make sure to give back to the communities where we do business,” said Gary Cooper, COO. “We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the people who live here and all of our dedicated team members. Our dad taught us the importance of community many years ago, and that’s a lesson we will never forget.”

Many of the donations provided were for benefits or fundraising events being held in the community. Since meat is the most expensive part of a meal, the donation allows the organizations to eliminate a big expense and raise more money for their cause. 

“We give financially through our Cooper Family Foundation, but as a meat company we can also provide food for events, organizations and community members. It is great to be a position where we can do this,” said Cooper.

Some of the top recipients of donations included the West Ohio Foodbank, receiving more than 62,000 pounds; the CALL Food Pantry, receiving over 28,000 pounds; and the Warrior Food Project, receiving nearly 20,000 pounds of donated protein. 

Defiance area churches received more than 13,000 pounds of meat in 2018.

POSTED: 01/21/19 at 8:58 am. FILED UNDER: Business