Local 4-H receives grant

Every year, the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation and Missouri 4-H collaborate to educate and raise public awareness of food insecurity in families. To bring that awareness, 4-H clubs all around the state participate in a competition called 4-H Feeding Missouri every spring. The competition includes food drives, collecting donations, and volunteering in local food pantries. Between community service and friendly competitions, this partnership helps combat hunger statewide.

For four years, the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation has been awarding a Drive to Feed Kids grants to local 4-H clubs to help fund their efforts in securing food for those in need. This year, the Fordland Mighty Eagles 4-H club was one of the 24 4-H clubs awarded the grant.

“Missouri agriculture is honored to help equip Missouri 4-H families to live out their 4-H pledge committing their ‘hands to larger service,’” explained Ashley McCarty, Missouri Farmers Care Foundation Executive Director. “Missouri Farmers Care Drive to Feed Kids, presented by ADM and Brownfield Ag News, equips youth to positively impact their communities. These grants equip 4-H members and families as they work to make brighter days for families facing hunger.”

“This year 4-H clubs continue to be creative with their use of grant dollars,” said Maria Calvert, State Ag Educator at Missouri 4-H. “Many are thinking of how they can make impacts in not only the short term, but also creating sustainable impacts for the future.”

Other 4-H clubs receiving the $250 grant include:

· Adventures 4-H Club, Columbia

· Elkhorn 4-H Club, Warrenton

· Evening Star 4-H, St. James

· Glenwood 4-H Club, Glenwood

· Green County 4-H Teen Council, Republic

· Jasper County Extension, Carthage

· Lucky Clover Valley 4-H, West Plains

· Millville 4-H Club, Excelsior Springs

· Pettis County 4-H Council, Sedalia

· Shooting Starts 4-H Club, Harrisonville

“The hard work and creativity put forth by our 4-H’ers to help others in their communities continues to amaze me,” said Lupita Fabregas, Senior Program Director of Missouri 4-H. “Through our ongoing efforts to raise awareness, educate, and inspire action, we can create lasting change.”

Over the past five years, the 4-H clubs have raised over 1.7 million meals statewide. Last year, Missouri 4-Hers provided 711,268. For more information on how to help, visit 4h.missouri.edu.