Meating the Need

Ham Santa is once again within sight. For those that haven’t had the pleasure of learning about this program, let me tell you a bit about it.

For the past three years, shortly before the holidays, Julie and I have requested nominations for Pine County families in need from the community. We compile these names, and then right before Christmas, decked out in Santa hats, we deliver bundles of healthy, delicious pork to these wonderful families. It is a highlight of our year, and each year Ham Santa’s list grows longer. Last year we were able to provide meat to over 80 households, helping to ensure that every family in this community has the centerpiece for a fine holiday meal.

In years past, we have held more sales open to the public to help fund these efforts. However, with the corporate price gouging we are seeing in grocery stores post-pandemic and cuts to SNAP benefits, much, much more of our meat this year went directly to families in need. And this brings me to the ask.

To make Ham Santa as successful as we want it to be this year, we need your help. If, in this time of scarcity, you are feeling secure and comfortable, I ask you to consider donating to this cause. The need in this area is great, and it will take boldness, cooperation, and generosity of spirit to turn the tide of despair that washes over so many here. A few cuts of meat isn’t life-changing — but the knowledge that the people of your county care about your wellness just might be.

If you are able to donate, please do so through Venmo (-Frechette) or through the link in the comments.

Many, many thanks, Pine County. We’ll see you when Ham Santa takes flight!!

(Please share with folks that might be in a position to give!)

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You know us for Ham Santa, that special time of year when your farmer takes flight and delivers bundles of healthy, local meat to families in need across the county. It’s a program that has grown from several families visited in our first year to over 80 families last holiday season. You, our community, have supported us in this effort. And now we’re back.

Times are tough economically in the county, and budgets are being stretched thin. Food shelf visits are up as pandemic-era SNAP bonuses are cancelled. We can’t wait for December to come around to make sure local families get a good bundle of great meat — and a reminder that we are all part of the same team. We want to move sooner.

Therefore, from the folks who brought you Ham Santa, we bring you:

Uncle Ham.

That’s right, just in time for the 4th of July, we’ll be delivering meat bundles to families struggling to make ends meet or going through an otherwise difficult time. And while the meat itself is fantastic, the delivery also comes with the human connection — every recipient will know that they are not the beneficiaries of charity, but rather part of a whole that is this county. Nobody gets left out of the produce of our land because of how much is in their wallet. Every family here matters, every family here is worth fighting for. And your support will make this possible.

We will be having a “buy one - give one” sale in the near future, where your purchase of a bundle will make a second bundle available to a local family. But if you have already filled your freezer with pork, or are otherwise able to make a donation to help this program become a success in its first year, please consider clicking the link below. Donations can be made in various levels to accommodate your budget.

Thank you, and make way for Uncle Ham!!!

https://www.frechettefarms.com/store/p12/Uncle_Ham_Donation%21.html

We are BACK!

After the unbelievable success of our inaugural year, Meating the Need is officially ready to kick off our 2022 season!!

We are doing things a little differently to start off this year. We actually raised some of our Meating the Need pigs over the winter this year, so we have freezers full NOW! This means many of you will not have to wait for your meat bundle after your investment! We are making available 50 spring bundles, and after those have sold, we will return to our normal investment/return schedule. Your investment in this spring sale will help fund summer pigs for Meating the Need.

This year, we are proud to be adding our wonderful Longhorn/Angus ground beef to your pork bundles. Our beef is perfectly lean, with so much flavor but without the grease and waste that is so often found in grocery store meat products.

Exact cuts are subject to change based on availability and preference, but for reference, an average $50 investment would return:

3 lbs ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 lb ground breakfast sausage
1 ham steak
2 packs pork chops
1 lb bacon
+
1 bonus cut!

Reminder: We are so grateful for investments over $50, as this really extends our ability to serve our greater community. However, meat bundles will max out at $50, meaning any investment beyond $50 will be treated as a donation to the program.

Click the link below to see our different investment levels, once again ranging from $5 on up.

https://www.frechettefarms.com/growing-community.html

We are SO excited to be back, and we have some wonderful things in store for 2022. See you out there, Pine County!!!

MtN