Drive to Feed Kids unites Missouri agriculture while addressing food insecurity across the state
In a year when celebrating America’s 250th anniversary has taken on many different forms, members of Missouri 4-H and FFA marked the milestone by each packing more than 250,000 meals for the annual Drive to Feed Kids—a symbolic and significant number to help their neighbors in need.
This past spring, Missouri 4-H members raised resources to provide 250,271 meals during the organization’s Feeding Missouri campaign. During the Missouri State Fair in August, FFA’s Day of Service brought together more than 850 members to assemble 252,564 family meals.
“It’s more than a food drive. It’s more than a tradition. We are building a legacy of unity,” said Keith Dietzschold, recently retired Missouri FFA Advisor. “This partnership brings the great people of Missouri agriculture together and embodies FFA’s ‘Living to Serve’ motto.”
While the meal totals honored a historic chapter in the nation, the effort itself was part of a broader commitment to addressing food insecurity across Missouri, where hunger affects one in five children. The Drive to Feed Kids is led by Missouri Farmers Care and supported by agricultural leaders and partnering organizations, including MFA Incorporated.
“The Drive to Feed Kids highlights what Missouri agriculture can accomplish when we work together,” said Ashley McCarty, executive director of Missouri Farmers Care. “From farmers and ranchers to FFA and 4-H members, volunteers, businesses and community partners, thousands of people have united to help provide meals for Missouri children and families. We are proud to celebrate agriculture’s incredible impact and grateful to everyone who helped make it possible.”
During the State Fair, agricultural youth also donated fresh produce grown for student projects, and attendees contributed to the effort through $2 Tuesday, providing non-perishable food and funds equivalent to 53,231 meals.
In addition, through the Hogs for Hunger initiative, swine exhibitors and producers committed enough pork to provide 36,125 servings of much-needed protein, which remains the most requested item by Missouri food banks.
FFA chapters, 4-H clubs and collegiate groups statewide expanded their local impact by providing 145,748 meals through matching grants from the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation.
Culminating Aug. 22, the year-long initiative generated resources for more than 825,000 meals in total. That means the Drive to Feed Kids has now provided more than 14.5 million meals across Missouri since the program’s launch in 2017. Donations are distributed statewide through Feeding Missouri, representing the state’s six regional food banks.
“Drive to Feed Kids reflects some of Missouri’s best values: hard work, generosity and a commitment to helping our neighbors,” said Leigh Anne Haun, executive director of Feeding Missouri. “Through our partnership with Missouri Farmers Care, these events provide nutritious meals to families experiencing food insecurity while demonstrating the positive impact Missouri agriculture can have on communities across the state.”
To learn more or get involved, visit MOFarmersCare.com/Drive.
Top Photo cutline: During the annual Missouri FFA Day of Service, more than 850 agricultural youth, along with industry officials and other volunteers, worked together to assemble 252,564 meals for the state’s six regional food banks. The day is traditionally held on “$2 Tuesday” at the Missouri State Fair, allowing attendees to contribute to the effort by providing non-perishable food for discounted entry.