FFA students pose with thank you sign

The Future Farmers of America (FFA) held their annual food drive this past Saturday with more than 45,000 pounds of food donated to Community Action.

The yearly event, which began more than a decade ago when students raised about 3,000 pounds of food, continues to have a big impact on the local community with locally grown food remaining in the area for those in need. Students, staff and volunteers spent Saturday morning sorting and loading produce then delivered and unloaded the donation at Community Action.

“It’s been cool to see it grow every year and get more food,” said senior Emily Harling. “When we get to Community Action, seeing everyone get excited is my favorite part.”

First-year FFA advisor and agriculture teacher Scott Oldenburg noted all the hard work the students put into the event.

“The officers did most of the work,” Oldenburg said. “They made all the calls and all the arrangements for pickup or deliveries, and they asked for all the donations.”

The FFA would like to thank the following for their contributions: Panek Farms, Kludt Brothers, Orleans County Farm Bureau, Nesbitt Fruit Farms, Orchard Dale Fruit Farms, Kreher’s Farms, Martin Farms, Kirby Farms, Mighty Acres, Partyka Farms, Starowitz Farms, Poverty Hill Farms, Torrey Farms, Lynn-Ette and Sons Farms, Rush’s Vegetables, InterGrow and Root Brothers.