WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — As athletes, families and fans gather in Williamsport for the Little League® World Series, the Pennsylvania Beef Foundation is stepping up to make an impact beyond the ballfield.
The PA Beef Foundation, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Beef Council, is launching the Beef Giving Back Program through its Beefing Up Backpacks initiative during the Little League World Series. The community outreach effort will provide more than 12,000 shelf-stable, 1-ounce beef sticks to weekend backpack feeding programs serving children across all eight Lycoming County public school districts.
The initiative complements Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.®, as the Official Sponsor of the Perfect Home Plate during the League World Series by creating a local charitable effort focused on supporting children and families in the event’s host community.
As Official Sponsor of the Perfect Home Plate, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. hosts a unique player meal for the participants of the Little League Baseball® World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The Beef meal will fuel players with the high-quality protein and nutrients they need before the competition gets underway at the world’s largest youth sports event. That same commitment to supporting children extends beyond the ballpark, as the PA Beef Foundation give back through its Beefing Up Backpacks program,
“Beefing Up Backpacks was created to help children facing food insecurity access high-quality protein when they need it most,” said Nichole Hockenberry, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Beef Council. “The Little League World Series brings national attention to Williamsport each year, and we saw a meaningful opportunity to pair that excitement with a lasting investment in the local community. Through this initiative, Pennsylvania beef producers are helping fuel champions on the field while also supporting children off the field with nutritious, protein-rich food.”
The Beef Giving Back Program will support backpack programs in all eight Lycoming County public school districts, including East Lycoming School District, Jersey Shore Area School District, Loyalsock Township School District, Montoursville Area School District, Montgomery Area School District, Muncy School District, South Williamsport Area School District and Williamsport Area School District.
Weekend backpack programs help provide food to students and families during weekends and school breaks, when school meals may not be available. By adding beef sticks to these programs, Beefing Up Backpacks helps increase access to convenient, shelf-stable, nutrient-dense protein for children experiencing food insecurity.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, play and thrive,” said Hockenberry. “This program is a reflection of the beef community’s heart for service. We are proud to give back in a way that connects agriculture, nutrition and community care during one of Pennsylvania’s most iconic youth sports events.”
The initiative is designed to support local families, celebrate Pennsylvania agriculture and highlight the beef industry’s commitment to serving communities beyond the farm. It also builds on the PA Beef Foundation’s broader Beefing Up Backpacks program, which works to add high-quality protein to weekend food backpack and feeding programs across Pennsylvania.
Together, Pennsylvania beef farmers are helping fuel champions on and off the field. While young athletes compete at the highest level during the Little League World Series, thousands of local children will receive access to nutritious beef sticks designed to help fuel healthy growth, learning and play long after the final inning.
Community members and organizations interested in supporting Beefing Up Backpacks can donate to the Pennsylvania Beef Foundation. Checks may be made payable to Pennsylvania Beef Foundation and mailed to 205 S. Juliana Street, Bedford, PA 15522. Please note “Beefing Up Backpacks” in the memo line.
— PA Beef Foundation
