Feeding the Community: Flathead Electric Cooperative's Ribeye Raffle Raises Thousands for Local Food Banks

Flathead Electric Cooperative, a community-owned utility, has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting its local communities through its annual Ribeye Raffle. The 2024 edition of the event raised an impressive $19,008 in cash and approximately 1,000 pounds of meat, all of which was donated to food banks serving the North Valley, Columbia Falls, Flathead, Bigfork, West Shore, Libby, and Northwest Montana Veterans communities.

Empowering Local Producers and Feeding the Hungry

Investing in the Community

As part of its ongoing efforts to support its member-owners, Flathead Electric Cooperative purchases beef, lamb, and hogs each year from local 4-H and FFA participants at the Northwest Montana Fair and the Lincoln County Fair. This not only provides a valuable market for these young agricultural producers but also ensures that the meat is distributed to those in need through the cooperative's partnership with local food banks. The prime steak cuts, such as t-bones and ribeyes, are then raffled off to the cooperative's members, giving them a chance to enjoy high-quality local meat while also contributing to a worthy cause.

Fostering Generosity and Community Spirit

The success of the 2024 Ribeye Raffle is a testament to the generosity and community spirit of Flathead Electric Cooperative's members. Will Tutvedt, the cooperative's community outreach specialist and the organizer of the raffle, expressed his delight at the overwhelming response from the community. "The support and generosity from our community this year has been outstanding," Tutvedt said. "It's always inspiring to see so many people come together for a cause that benefits our local food banks. By purchasing tickets, our members are not only getting a chance at some great local steaks, but they're making a real difference in people's lives."

A Lasting Impact

Over the past nine years, the Ribeye Raffle has raised a remarkable $89,588 in cash and donated approximately 8,000 pounds of meat to local food banks. This sustained effort has had a significant impact on the communities served by Flathead Electric Cooperative, ensuring that those in need have access to high-quality, locally sourced protein. The raffle's continued success is a testament to the cooperative's commitment to its members and the communities it serves.

Looking Ahead

While the 2024 Ribeye Raffle has come to a close, the cooperative is already gearing up for the 2025 edition. Ticket sales will be available again in the summer of 2025, giving members another opportunity to support their local food banks and potentially take home some of the finest steaks Montana has to offer. As Flathead Electric Cooperative continues to build on the success of this annual event, the community can look forward to even greater impact in the years to come.