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Aug. 16, 2013 Source: Farm Progress Co. news release Nearly 15 percent of households in Illinois face food insecurity, which amounts to an estimated two million people, according to Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger relief organization. In Macon County alone, more than 16,500 people struggle to find food. Families in these farming communities are often busy helping to feed the world, but do not have access to enough food to sustain a healthy lifestyle for themselves. Thanks to the upcoming America's Farmers Food Drive, rural households across the state of Illinois will soon see food on their own tables. The fifth annual America's Farmers Food Drive, sponsored by Monsanto in conjunction with Farm Progress and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation (HGBF), will take place at the Farm Progress Show, Aug. 27-29 in Decatur, Ill. All FFA chapters and 4-H clubs in Illinois are invited to participate in the America's Farmers Food Drive. Food collected will benefit the communities of those who donate. Students who donate food at collection centers located at entrance gates one, seven and nine will receive free entry to the Farm Progress Show. The top three FFA chapters and top three 4-H clubs that donate the highest amount of food, in pounds, will be awarded $250. "Through the America's Farmers Food Drive, we hope to raise awareness among our youth about rural hunger," said Linda Arnold, Monsanto customer advocacy lead. "Members of FFA and 4-H are the next generation of farmers, and it is important they understand the struggles some families in their own communities face. Last year, more than 14,800 pounds of food was raised at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, and we hope to exceed that amount this year." Additionally, for every pound of food collected, Monsanto will donate $1 (up to $10,000) to United Way of Decatur and Mid- Illinois, and the HGBF will donate $1 (up to $10,000) to Feeding America. "Although America's farmers work day in and day out to feed the growing population, there are still nearly a billion people who go to bed hungry each night," said Howard G. Buffett, HGBF president. "The America's Farmers Food Drive is an opportunity for farmers, community members and ag youth to help feed their families, friends and neighbors." Monsanto launched the America's Farmers Food Drive in 2009 at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill., which has resulted in more than 65,000 pounds of food collected to date. To learn more about Monsanto's commitment to farmers across America, please visit www.AmericasFarmers.com. Don't miss this year's events Mark your calendar for the 60th annual Farm Progress Show and, after you learn about the latest in ag technology, make your way to the fairgrounds for the third annual Great Lakes Hybrids Farm Progress Show Shootout Tractor Pull or take in the country music concert headlined by Chris Cagle. The 2013 Farm Progress Show takes place in Decatur, Ill., Aug. 27, 28 and 29. The exhibit field is open to visitors 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. Admission is $15 for adults, $8 for ages 13-17 and free for ages 12 and under. Discounted advance adult admission tickets are available now on the show's website. The concert and tractor pull are separate events and a separate admission ticket is needed for each. For a full schedule of events and more detailed information, visit www.FarmProgressShow.com. There's a handy Farm Progress Show app for iPhones and Android mobile phones, available in the respective devices' app markets. The public is welcome at the show, tractor pull and concert events. Tweet |
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