Charity goes a cut above

Disadvantaged WA families will have the chance to enjoy a lamb roast or stew thanks to an initiative by Foodbank WA and the WA Nationals.

The inaugural Lamb Legends Food Drive toured the Katanning and Muchea sheep saleyards with 448 animals donated to the cause.

Member for the South West Region Colin Holt said they were looking to hold and expand the event next year.

"This is our first crack at it; we are hoping to do it again next year, and the year after and that it will continue to grow," he said.

"It's about promoting Foodbank as a charity and it's also about getting the agriculture industries involved in the charity."

Last Tuesday, Muchea Livestock Centre donated 169 animals while 214 were donated from the Katanning Regional Sheep Saleyards the next day.

Emanuel Exports also donated 65 sheep to the cause, while boxed meat was also sourced from various donors.

Wellard International Exports, Livestock Shipping Services (Hillside Meat Processors), WA Meat Industry Association, WAMMCO, Beaufort River Meats and Jennacubbine Livestock Services were all major donors to the food drive.

Fletcher International in Narrikup processed the animals for free and Treasures Transport and Stockhaul WA transported them.

The numbers donated equate to about 75,000 servings of lamb.

According to Foodbank WA general manager of operations Colin Woodward, the Food Drive exceeded their expectations.

"I really expected 20 per cent of what we achieved so it's fantastic," he said.

"Centre plate protein is one of the hardest foods to source, so for us to be able to add lamb in whatever context it may be is incredible.

"Foodbank on a monthly basis provides for over 55,000 disadvantaged West Australians whether they are in the metropolitan area or the country."

The sheep will be processed and distributed to Foodbank outlets in Perth, Geraldton, Bunbury, Albany, Kalgoorlie and Mandurah.