By Julie Tomascik
Editor

A new initiative—Farmers Feeding Families—aims to reduce food insecurity at the local level. Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) launched the program earlier this year.

Through partnerships with food banks, shelters and other community aid organizations, Farmers Feeding Families turns the generosity of farmers and ranchers into tangible support for individuals and families.

The initiative is coordinated by TFB’s Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee.

“Farmers Feeding Families is a program that leverages County Farm Bureaus to connect farmers and ranchers with community organizations to help fight food insecurity on a local level,” Hailey Hayes, chair of TFB’s Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee, said.

Farmers Feeding Families encourages County Farm Bureaus to donate livestock, volunteer time, make a monetary donation or donate food items.

County Farm Bureaus can donate cattle, hogs, sheep, goats or poultry to local organizations and TFB will cover up to $1,000 of the processing costs.

“County Farm Bureaus can purchase an animal project from a student or local rancher and then have it processed locally and provided to a community aid organization,” Hayes said. “TFB will help cover a portion of the processing fee, helping more counties give back to their communities.”

Farm Bureau members can also log volunteer hours spent helping with food collection, distribution or preparation.

Any other food donations or monetary contributions to a local food distribution organization can also be counted through the program.

“Whether it’s donating livestock, volunteering at a food bank or providing resources, this program allows County Farm Bureaus to make a real difference in their communities,” Hayes said. “Members are already doing this at the local level, but this gives extra support to help those who need it most in our communities.”

One in six households in Texas is food insecure, making it the second-highest rate of food insecurity in the nation.

“Farmers and ranchers work hard every day to grow our food and fiber,” Hayes said. “But we’re taking that a step further with Farmers Feeding Families. We’re getting nutritious food to the tables of those who need it most right in our local towns. Protein is often the most expensive food item for many families, and this program aims to get more protein to local food distribution services. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier community.”

For more information and to learn how to donate, contact your County Farm Bureau or visit texasfarmbureau.org/fff.