Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about United Plates of America, MEAT-ups, partnering and giving.
What is United Plates of America?
United Plates of America (UPoA) is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) public charity serving eastern Washington and North Idaho, starting in Spokane and Kootenai counties. Our mission is to bring fresh, quality meat to working families who struggle to afford it, and to help our neighbors live healthier, more secure lives through four programs: MEAT-ups, Housing for Neighbors in Need, Hear the World and Essential Needs Assistance.
What is a MEAT-up?
At a MEAT-up, our refrigerated truck brings fresh, USDA-inspected meat to a local food pantry on the pantry’s own distribution day. Families take it home the same day, straight from the truck.
How do food banks partner with United Plates of America?
Fill out our food bank/pantry registration form. It asks about your organization, contact person, location, cold storage, and receiving and delivery. We’ll contact you as MEAT-ups come to your region. Registered pantries can also request a MEAT-up date, which we confirm directly; a request doesn’t guarantee a date.
Does our pantry need a freezer or cold storage to host a MEAT-up?
No. Everything goes home with families on MEAT-up day, so your food bank or pantry doesn’t need its own cold storage. We bring the protein and the logistics; the pantry brings the community.
What area do you serve?
Today we serve Spokane County, WA and Kootenai County, ID. We plan to grow across the Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana) and then region by region across the country. Our long-term goal is to work with every food bank in the United States.
What other programs do you run?
Besides MEAT-ups: Hear the World helps people with hearing loss get quality, professionally fitted hearing devices they can’t afford . Housing for Neighbors in Need (help with housing costs such as rent) and Essential Needs Assistance (urgent costs) are growing as funds allow.
How can I ask for help?
Use our Request Help form. Every request is reviewed case by case; submitting one does not guarantee assistance. If you need help now: emergency, call 911; mental-health crisis, call or text 988; local help with food, housing and utilities, call 211 (in Washington, 1-877-211-9274).
How do I donate?
Give online through Zeffy, our payment partner’s secure donation page, and choose a one-time or monthly gift. Other ways to give include donating by mail, a donor-advised fund, employer match, stock, and food or supplies. For mailed gifts, our address is 2608 South Viewmont Drive, Greenacres, WA 99016.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. United Plates of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 92-2960872), and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Zeffy emails your tax receipt automatically right after each gift.
Can I change or cancel a monthly gift?
Yes, anytime, through the self-serve link in your receipt email or our Manage my donation page. You can also reach us by email or phone.
How can I volunteer?
Fill out the volunteer form on our Get Involved page. Roles include MEAT-up event helpers (loading, traffic and greeting), drivers, outreach to food banks, and office or social media help. Volunteers must be 16 or older, or 18 or older for lifting.
Who runs United Plates of America?
Mike Conrad founded UPoA in 2023 and serves as President & Executive Director. Elizabeth Whittaker is Secretary and Easton Conrad is Treasurer. Questions? Email [email protected] or call (307) 374-8975.
Still have a question? Contact us.