Agriculture Pulling Together to Feed Missouri’s Hungry Children, Share Agriculture’s Story

Posted:  Jun 22, 2017

In an effort to combat childhood food insecurity and showcase Missouri agriculture, Missouri Farmers Care (MFC) has launched Drive to Feed Kids. The Drive will leverage food bank distribution networks to deliver kid-friendly meals to hungry children across Missouri. The Drive is led by Missouri Farmers Care, Feeding Missouri, Brownfield Ag News, the Missouri State Fair and Missouri FFA.

Even in the nation’s agricultural heartland, hunger is a challenge; Missouri’s rate of childhood food insecurity is among the highest in the nation. Hunger is not an urban or rural issue. In fact, in rural communities throughout the state, as many as 1 in 5 people face food insecurity. Among children, the numbers are even higher. In parts of Missouri, 1 in 3 children face food insecurity on a regular basis. Missouri agriculture invites the partnership of companies and individuals to address the most pressing childhood hunger needs in Missouri communities. All contributions will be dedicated to Feeding Missouri’s member food banks engaged in addressing childhood food insecurity.

“Hunger isn’t an issue that only happens somewhere else,” said Alan Wessler D.V.M, chairman of MFC. “It is a pervasive concern across Missouri’s rural communities. All of us in agriculture are focused on doing our best to produce food. We’re also focused on making our communities the best place they can be. When children face hunger, it presents challenges in coming to school able to learn and thrive. It is time to consider what we can do to help. The good news is that regional food banks, affiliated through Feeding Missouri, have a proven and efficient way to deliver food to those who need it most.”

Paired with the Drive to Feed Kids is the opportunity to celebrate agriculture’s productivity and contributions while responsibly producing food for our communities. The Drive culminates with key events at the Missouri State Fair. A screening of “Where the Fast Lane Ends“, a film showing the responsible use of agricultural science and technology, will be hosted on Thursday, Aug. 10 at 3:30 p.m. Pairs of tickets are available for a minimum donation of $25 to the Drive. The screening will be followed by a 7:30 p.m. concert featuring Sawyer Brown with Royal Wade Kimes. Sawyer Brown lead singer, Mark Miller, wrote and produced “Where the Fast Lane Ends”. Then, during Missouri Farmers Care Food Drive Tuesday, Aug. 15, fairgoers receive discounted admission for canned food donations ($1 off per item, up to $5 savings per adult ticket). During the day’s first Missouri FFA Food Insecurity Service Day over 300 Missouri FFA members will pack 50,000 child-friendly meals.

Visit https://mofarmerscare.com/drive/ for the opportunity to give through the Drive to highlight the vital role of Missouri’s farmers and ranchers in our communities and stand in the gap for children who, through no fault of their own, face tough situations. 

Tickets to the Sawyer Brown / Royal Wade Kimes concert can be purchased through the Missouri State Fair at https://www.mostatefair.com/events/sawyer-brown-royal-wade-kimes/. Join Missouri agriculture to highlight the positive impacts of agriculture while ensuring kids have the nutrition they need to succeed.

Missouri Farmers Care is a joint effort by Missouri’s farming and agriculture community to stand together for the men and women who provide the food and jobs on which our communities depend. The Drive to Feed Kids is being managed by the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt public charity.