The blue corduroy jacket is a familiar symbol of the FFA organization, worn as part of official dress during most FFA activities. Monday (April 17, 2023) at the South Dakota FFA convention in Brookings, as part of a SD FFA Living to Serve Day, members removed their jackets and rolled up their sleeves to help stop hunger in South Dakota.
This service project, supported by funds from Pioneer-Corteva, Rick and Sandy Osterday, and a grant from the National FFA Foundation exemplified the portion of the FFA motto which states “Living to Serve” by teaming up with industry to fund a Meals of Hope, hands on project that combats hunger. SD FFA members and Pioneer-Corteva staff measured, poured, sealed and boxed 50,184 meals in assembly line fashion throughout the day-long event. Members stopped in between workshops and competitive events throughout convention and left the event knowing that by giving a few minutes of their time they would make a significant difference in the life of a person less fortunate than themselves.
The Meals of Hope food packages are a hardy Pasta and Tomato Sauce meal. All of the 50,184 meals were donated to Feeding South Dakota and will be distributed across the state.
Dan Carlson and Cullen Winter with Feeding South Dakota attended the event, Dan said “This is a very impressive event, it’s wonderful seeing the FFA members giving their time to package these meals.” He also stated, with the huge demand they see for food, these meals will be consumed quickly, he estimated that the supply will last approximately 30 days.
Funding donor and SD FFA Foundation President Sandy Osterday shares, “The event gives students the opportunity to work together with FFA members from across the state to make items that will help those in need. Knowing we are helping those in need across our state is a great feeling.”
For more information about the South Dakota FFA Foundation and South Dakota’s FFA programs, visit www.sdffafoundation.org.
FFA members from across South Dakota work together to measure, package and seal meals during the Day of Service (April 17, 2023). Meals of Hope Project at State FFA Convention.
Courtesy photo.
FFA members from across South Dakota work together to measure, package and seal meals during the Day of Service (April 17, 2023). Meals of Hope Project at State FFA Convention.
Courtesy photo.
FFA members from across South Dakota work together to measure, package and seal meals during the Day of Service (April 17, 2023). Meals of Hope Project at State FFA Convention.
Courtesy photo.
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