Missouri Agricultural Community Provides Over 14.5 Million Meals to Combat Childhood Hunger
The Missouri agricultural community, through the 'Drive to Feed Kids' initiative, has provided over 14.5 million meals to children and families across the state since its inception in 2017. This year's efforts, highlighted at the Missouri State Fair, contributed 825,196 meals. Key participants included Missouri FFA members who packed 252,564 meals and donated fresh produce, and 4-H members who raised resources for 250,271 meals through '4-H Feeding Missouri.' Additionally, FFA chapters, 4-H clubs, and collegiate organizations provided 145,748 meals with matching grants from the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation. Fairgoers also contributed to the cause, and the 'Hogs for Hunger' initiative provided approximately 36,125 servings of pork. These donations are distributed statewide via Feeding Missouri, an association of the state's six regional food banks. The initiative addresses the issue of 1 in 5 Missouri children experiencing hunger.
