News

Missouri ag community comes together to address food insecurity

Since it began in 2017, the Missouri Farmers Care Drive to Feed Kids has been helping address food insecurity in Missouri.

Ashley McCarty, executive director of the foundation says Missouri Farmers Care had a vision, and it has grown exponentially over the last six years. “We started packing 50,000 meals at this fantastic event with FFA at the FFA Day of Service,” McCarty said. “We’re now up to 200,000 meals last year and 150,000 meals this year knowing that the need doesn’t cease.”

More than 800 FFA members from around the state are also volunteering to pack meals. Colton Roy, Missouri FFA State President tells Brownfield part of the FFA motto is “living to serve”. “It teaches them not only a little bit more about food insecurity and raises awareness for that, but it kind of gives them a servant leader attitude and heart towards the issue,” Roy said.

Along with Brownfield Ag News, ADM is one of the presenting sponsors. 

Chris Riley is director of state government relations with ADM. “It’s all about food security and health and wellness,” Riley said. “Those are two of ADM’s pillars. That’s what makes it so important. The last thing we want to see is anyone going hungry. It’s exciting to be on the line with these FFA students. We’re packing meals as quick as we can. Hopefully, it provides some nutrition to people around the state of Missouri.”

McCarty says while the event at the Missouri State Fair makes an impact, it’s just the beginning. “The seeds that we are planting, the seeds of change and ownership of local communities,” McCarty said. “We hope everybody leaves here saying, ‘Wow that was fun. I’m glad that I spent a half a day and worked to my community members, and I can do something at home to make a difference.’”

Brownfield Ag News has been a presenting sponsor of the Drive to Feed Kids since it launched in 2017.

AUDIO: Ashley McCarty, Missouri Farmers Care Executive Director

AUDIO: Colton Roy, Missouri FFA State President

AUDIO: Chris Riley, ADM Director of State Government Relations