The farm and ranch families of Farm Bureau last year raised more than $556,273 and donated more than 10 million pounds of food to assist hungry Americans as part of Farm Bureau’s “Harvest for All” program through Feeding America. Combined, the monetary and food donations provided nearly 13 million meals.
Members of Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program spearhead Harvest for All across the country, but all facets of Farm Bureau contribute to the effort. For the first time, 20 state Farm Bureaus heeded the call to action. The joint effort between Farm Bureau and Feeding Amer-ica is a national community action program through which farmers and ranchers can help ensure every American enjoys the bounty they produce.
Aside from raising food and funds for the initiative, farmers and ranchers tallied 10,159 volunteer hours assisting hunger groups through Harvest for All in 2011.
Illinois Leads Contributions
The Illinois Farm Bureau took top honors for raising the most funds and volunteer hours in 2011, raising $401,000 and volunteering 4,000 hours. The New York Farm Bureau was No. 1 in food donated at 6 million pounds. By winning the three categories, Illinois received a $3,000 grant, and New York received a $1,500 grant.
Second place winners were Indiana Farm Bureau for funds donated at $49,000; California Farm Bureau Federation for food donated at 1.4 million pounds; and Michigan Farm Bureau for volunteer time at 3,600 volunteer hours. Second place winners received a $1,000 grant from AFBF.
American Farm Bureau has contributed information for this article. Go to www.fb.org for more details. |
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