By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Fort Bend County Farm Bureau purchased and donated over $1,000 of non-perishable food items to local food banks across the county as their Food Connection Day event.

Local Farm Bureau leaders understand the importance of combatting hunger and aims to alleviate food insecurity and provide crucial support to individuals and families in need within Fort Bend County.

“We feel that going out and physically buying food and donating it to the food banks it important. We know that they’re going to get and distribute nutritious food,” John Cotterell, Fort Bend County Farm Bureau president, said.

The county Farm Bureau donated to three food banks: Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry and the Needville Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry – Hosted by Immanuel Evangelical Church.

“Farmers and ranchers are integral to our community, and it’s imperative that we stand together to ensure that no one goes hungry,” Cotterell said. “This donation reflects our commitment to supporting our neighbors during challenging times.”

Cotterell noted the county is becoming more urban, but participating in Food Connection Day events helps address food insecurity and connects the community to agriculture.

“We used to be highly agricultural area. We had sugar refining, and we had a lot of cotton, rice and corn,” he said. “The influx of new population growth to Fort Bend County is primarily in the suburban areas. We want to remind people that agriculture is important. It was important to Fort Bend County history, and agriculture is still very much a part of the county today.”

The donations are just one way the county organization is involved in the community, but it’s an activity they feel is extremely important.

“We recognize the need and do what we can to help,” Cotterell said.