Egg Farmers Donate 25,920 Eggs To Food Bank

 Despite signs of economic recovery, record numbers of families in our community -- and across America -- are currently relying on food assistance.  In fact, one in eight Americans will receive help in 2012 from local food banks.  Among the most needed items are sources of high quality protein.

California’s own NuCal Foods donated more than 432,000 eggs to local food banks including a donation of 25,920 eggs to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to help families struggling with food insecurity.

NuCal Foods’ efforts are part of a national effort, organized by the United Egg Producers and Feeding America.  For the fifth consecutive spring, America’s egg farmers are giving the Easter Bunny and families in need a helping hand by donating nearly 10 million fresh eggs.  That brings the number of eggs farmers have contributed since 2008 to 60 million — equaling nearly 5 million dozen.

“NuCal Foods farmers are  third and fourth generation family businesses, and we are proud to be partnering with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to provide much needed protein to the most needy in our community, especially during the Easter holiday season," said Jim Van Gorkom, VP of Sales and Marketing, of NuCal Foods.

High quality sources of protein, such as eggs, are especially needed and valued at food banks like ours.  According to the USDA, one large egg delivers six grams of protein, along with 13 essential nutrients, including choline, folate, iron and zinc.  After a review of the nutrient composition of standard large eggs last year, USDA concluded that the average amount of cholesterol was 14 percent lower, and vitamin D content was 64 percent higher, than previously measured.

We are grateful to receive such a generous donation from our local egg farmers.  It is a privilege to receive such a protein-rich, highly nutritional food to share with those in need in our community.

What is your favorite egg dish to cook?