FFA Combats Food Insecurity By Packing Over 203k Meals

FFA members from across the state joined together to pack over 203,000 meals as part of Food Insecurity Awareness Day at the fair Tuesday.  That exceeded the goal Missouri FFA set, as members spent the day packing meals of beans and rice for families in need around the state.  FFA President Kaitlyn Kleiboeker says Tuesday’s effort was a chance for members to fulfill the last part of the organization’s motto: “Living To Serve”.

As Kleiboeker mentioned, nearly one in five Missouri children live not knowing where their next meal will come from.  Ashley McCarty, executive director of Missouri Farmers Care, says food producers must play a crucial role in addressing hunger, and are doing so.

FFA members were split into three shifts to pack meals.  The meals will go to each of the state’s six food banks.  Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft also assisted with packing meals Tuesday morning.

Missouri Farmers Care announced the number of meals packed Tuesday evening.