By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Bee County Farm Bureau recently donated 200 pounds of beef to the South Texas Children’s Home Ministries as part of the statewide Farmers Feeding Families program.

“We wanted to do what we could to help the kids in Bee County,” Zachary Mengers, a Bee County Farm Bureau member, said. “When we made the delivery, they were really excited about the ground beef because it was frozen and fresh, which is something they don’t always get.”

Mengers said the children’s home often receives last-minute or nearly expired food donations, which can’t always be used due to health regulations.

“They shared how a lot of times the donations are people just cleaning out their pantries,” he said. “They can’t use it if it’s past the expiration date. That’s why this kind of donation, of fresh beef, makes a real difference.”

The effort was part of the Farmers Feeding Families program, coordinated by Texas Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee. The initiative encourages county Farm Bureaus to donate protein, volunteer time, make monetary contributions and provide food items to local organizations.

Food insecurity remains a growing concern across Texas, with many families struggling to put nutritious meals on the table. Programs like Farmers Feeding Families help bridge the gap by connecting local farmers and ranchers with food banks in need.

“Everybody needs food, especially with rising costs,” Mengers said. “The spirit of community and neighbors helping neighbors is something I think we should emphasize and celebrate. Even though people might be going through hard times, we’re here to help and build each other up.”

Across Texas, over 18,600 pounds of protein have been donated through Farmers Feeding Families as of late October.

For Mengers, seeing farmers and ranchers give back, despite the challenges they face, shows the true spirit of agriculture.

“It’s very cool seeing that thousands of pounds of meat throughout the state are being donated to help people,” he said. “Even through hard times for farmers and ranchers, we’re still doing our best to give back. Commodity prices go up and down, but at the end of the day, we’re still here to feed the world.”

For more information about the Farmers Feeding Families program or to learn how to donate, contact your county Farm Bureau or visit texasfarmbureau.org/fff.