Two hundred people had a brighter, more fulfilled holiday this school year thanks to the West Platte FFA. The West Platte FFA chapter partnered with the Missouri Farmers Care Drive to Feed Kids to make an impact. FFA members collected and donated meals to feed 200 children and families facing food insecurity.

The chapter donated Thanksgiving meals including sides, a ham or turkey, dessert and drinks to feed 8-10 people. The members collected enough food for 200 people to receive a filling, healthy meal. The meals were donated to the Valley Community Center.

"This project was very rewarding to see how our service could impact so many individuals during the holiday season," says Larah Sweeden, West Platte FFA President.

Such a large local impact relies on partnership for success. The chapter built a plan to meet the needs they saw in their community with guidance from ag instructor and FFA Advisor, Carmen Buller. The chapter received a $750 grant from Missouri Farmers Care Drive to Feed Kids to kickstart the project. FFA members and families donated over $850. Local grocer, Sharps Market, donated $100 to help. The local Rotary Club helped supply produce. All told, 48 community members came together with over 120 hours of service to make brighter days for their neighbors facing need.

“Missouri agriculture is honored to have partnered with West Platte FFA as they fulfilled their commitment to service through the Drive to Feed Kids,” says Ashley McCarty, executive director of Missouri Farmers Care Foundation. “The Missouri Farmers Care Drive to Feed Kids, equips young people to meet the needs they see in their communities. Children and families facing hunger were delivered hope thanks to the service of the West Platte FFA chapter and supporters.”

Missouri Farmers Care is proud to partner with 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, CTE and collegiate organizations to provide grants to fight food insecurity across the state. Grant applications open each fall with events happening late fall and throughout the spring. Missouri Farmers Care in partnership with ADM, Brownfield Ag News and leaders across Missouri agriculture, hosts the Drive to Feed Kids annually. Missouri agriculture has raised over 13 million meals since 2017 through the Drive to Feed Kids.