Food insecurity forces families to make unimaginable choices each day, such as choosing between paying rent or putting food on the table. In a country known for its robust agricultural industry, it is disheartening to know just how many people struggle with hunger.
In the U.S., one in 10 people are currently facing hunger, according to Feeding America. In my home state of Illinois alone, there are more than 1.2 million people, including over 315,000 children, struggling with food insecurity. These statistics are alarming and shed light on a harsh reality for many people in our country.
That is why it is so important for us to come together as a community to support and uplift our most vulnerable populations through programs such as Farm Bureau’s Harvest for All campaign.
Now wrapping up its 22nd year, Harvest for All seeks to fight hunger through donations of food, money and volunteer hours to local food banks and pantries across the country. Farmers continue to step up to address food insecurity and contribute to this nationwide effort by participating in county and state Farm Bureau campaigns led by members of Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program (known as the Young Leader program in Illinois).
I am proud to report that, in 2023, Illinois Farm Bureau volunteers donated 88,582 pounds of food, raised $47,394.29 and volunteered 2,534 hours to local food banks and food pantries. These efforts, combined with those of other members across the country, yielded an impressive national total of 31 million pounds of food, $425,879 and 21,571 volunteer hours.
It is outstanding to see so many members across the nation, including young farmers and students who belong to a Collegiate Farm Bureau, joining forces with local organizations and businesses to make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity. The creativity and innovation they display demonstrates the generosity of the agricultural community.
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