Cabool Future Farmers of America (FFA) has received a grant from the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation’s Drive to Feed Kids matching grant program which empowers youth to lead hunger-relief efforts in local communities through Missouri FFA chapters, Missouri 4-H clubs, collegiate, and career and technical education organizations.
Since 2022, grant recipients have raised resources to provide more than 575,877 meals to families in need.
“One in six Missouri children and families regularly face hunger; in this time of growing need, Missouri agriculture has expanded our effort to make a difference in their lives,” said Ashley McCarty, executive director of Missouri Farmers Care Foundation. “The Missouri Farmers Care Drive to Feed Kids, presented in partnership with ADM and Brownfield Ag News, equips young people to meet the needs they see in their communities and fulfill their commitment to service.”
Drive to Feed Kids matching grants, ranging from $250 to $750, are offered to FFA chapters, 4-H clubs, collegiate organizations, and career and technical education programs. Each group raises matching funds and secures in-kind contributions to expand their local hunger-relief projects. The Missouri Farmers Care Foundation has awarded 52 grants to local organizations committed to addressing food insecurity in their communities.
“These grant funded projects begin this month, meeting needs now, through the holidays and through the coming year,” continued McCarty. “Missouri farmers and ranchers are dedicated to delivering abundance from our farms and fields. Agriculture is honored to play a small part in the big effort of reducing food insecurity. These grants help youth impact the lives of children and families facing hunger, bringing hope and brighter days to our communities.”
“Missouri FFA’s motto is ‘Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve’” said Keith Dietzschold, Missouri Agriculture Education Director, and State FFA Advisor. “This grant program provides experiences for our members to practice learning, doing, and serving, and along the way our members impact their local communities.
This is such a win for our Missouri FFA members. Thank you to Missouri Farmers Care and their members for the support with this grant program and the additional activities during the year. Being a part of this partnership, which brings Missouri agriculture together for the benefit of the citizens of Missouri, is an honor.”