4-H Students’ Hard Work Reaches St. John’s Health

Each summer, local 4-H students bring months of dedication to the livestock auction, where community members and businesses come together to support their efforts. Some buyers extend that support even further by donating their purchases to St. John’s Health, where the locally raised meat is used in meals served at Choices Café, the hospital’s onsite cafeteria serving patients, employees, visitors, and the public.  

“This year, we received more than 1,800 pounds of donated meat—enough for an estimated 5,000 individual servings,” said Joel Dipaola, Manager of Food & Nutrition Services. “Our Dietary team uses the locally raised beef, lamb, and chicken in a variety of dishes, helping offset food costs and allowing those resources to support other needs across St. John’s Health. It’s a meaningful way the hard work and generosity behind the 4-H Livestock Auction continue to make an impact long after the auction ends.”  

St. John’s Health is grateful to the 4-H students for the time and commitment they invest in their projects, and to the individuals and businesses who generously donate their purchases to St. John’s Health. Their contributions support local youth while providing a tangible benefit to our organization and the people we serve.