Eastern States Exposition Donates Food From 4-H Beef Sale to Local Food Pantries

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A team of employees from Eastern States Exposition (ESE), headed by ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy, gathered on Nov. 21 to donate beef from the annual 4-H Beef Sale at the Big E to local not-for-profit food pantries. Their tour included stops at the Parish Cupboard, Open Pantry, and Friends of the Homeless.

The 4-H Beef Program is a longstanding tradition at the fair, and the multiple-day showcase culminates in the 4-H Beef Sale. During the sale, individuals and representatives from local universities, businesses, and other organizations support 4-H students by purchasing the steers that rising agricultural workers have raised and tended to for more than a year. This year, ESE purchased the Commended Overall and Second Place Mediumweight steers.

“ESE exists to promote our region’s agriculture and industry. An important aspect of that mission involves the direct support of youth engaged in growing the cattle that feed our country, some of the best of which can be purchased at auction at the Big E each year,” Cassidy said.

“Today, we celebrate youth in agriculture by distributing their product to our local population in need,” he went on. “Annually, Eastern States Exposition’s board of directors purchases steers at the auction to help support West Springfield and Agawam’s Parish Cupboard and Springfield’s Open Pantry and Friends of the Homeless. We challenge other businesses and organizations to consider participating in the auction. Your support of this program is key to the future of our national food supply.”