By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Stephens County Farm Bureau collected groceries and monetary donations last month for the local food banks as part of the organization’s Food Connection Day event.
“After a year of social distancing and COVID restrictions, it felt good to have our county Farm Bureau active and visible in the community,” Roy Russell, Stephens County Farm Bureau president, said.
The Food Connection event allowed Stephens County Farm Bureau to give back to the community and connect with local consumers.
“We want to have a presence and give back to our community,” Russell said. “COVID and the winter storm caused a shortage of goods. It showed us how quickly we can be affected, and we needed to step up and help out.”
The group raised $290 in donations and collected canned goods and other non-perishable items. Both the funds and groceries were donated to area food banks.
As part of the event, county Farm Bureau leaders provided fresh-cooked hamburgers to those who donated.
“We can talk about agriculture during this event, because our county board is made up of local farmers and ranchers,” Russell said. “It’s important to get out and talk about agriculture, promote agriculture to our consumers, especially those here in our towns and communities in our county. We are growing and raising our food and fiber. We can answer questions and help grow an awareness and understanding of agriculture.”
And that’s what the county organization aimed to do—serve up burgers and a side of agricultural knowledge while collecting donations for the community.
“That’s what agriculture is all about—feeding and clothing our community, our state, our world,” Russell said.