U.S. Beef, Pork in Japan Relief Effort
'Tens of thousands' served through U.S. Meat Export Federation program.
Compiled by staff
Published: May 24, 2011
Japanese citizens displaced from the earthquake and subsequent tsunami and nuclear disaster are getting meals that include U.S. beef and pork. According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation, more than 10,000 citizens were helped by the USMEF Japan Relief and Recovery Effort.
Working with Japanese retail and food service industry partners, USMEF is continuing to provide welcome meals to as many people as possible who were left homeless by the March 11 earthquake and the following tsunami. Products provided for the meals range from diced U.S. beef and pork served over rice to pork sausage and cooked peppered beef that require refrigeration, which are being provided to those who can enjoy fresh-cooked meals at their shelters.
The USMEF relief effort was joined recently by the Nebraska Beef Council, which donated $35,000, swelling the campaign coffers to $540,000.
“There are so many people who need and want our help, but the generosity of the producers in the USMEF network in the United States has enabled us to provide welcome meals to tens of thousands of displaced people,” said Susumu (Sam) Harada, USMEF-Japan senior director of trade projects and technical services. “The ‘thank-yous’ that we are hearing from people who have not had a meal with pork or beef in more than two months are heartfelt and sincere.”
In one of the biggest single relief efforts, USMEF is partnering with Japanese food industry giant Ito Ham to produce an estimated 20,000 servings of food that are being served to displaced residents in the heavily damaged prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima during the final weeks of May.
“Sadly, the need will not end soon,” said Harada. “Thousands of people in the coastal areas remain displaced. But the support of U.S. producers is making it possible for us to give some welcome relief. The people we are helping are thankful that their friends in America have not forgotten them.”
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