California Farm Bureau launches philanthropy initiative to support local youth
The California Farm Bureau launched "Giving Back with Farm Bureau," a new philanthropic initiative, during the 107th California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Anaheim in conjunction with the California YF&R State Conference.
The hands-on project united Farm Bureau members and event attendees in assembling 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, learning materials and healthy snacks. The filled backpacks were donated to OC Fairgrounds: Centennial Farm for distribution to local children. The effort also doubled as a friendly competition, with attendees from different regions competing to assemble the backpacks.
"Supporting our communities has always been an important part of Farm Bureau's mission," said Shannon Douglass, president of the California Farm Bureau, which represents more than 23,000 farmers and ranchers statewide. "This effort reflects that commitment, helping ensure children have the tools they need to succeed in school."
Partners of the philanthropic initiative included California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, California Giant Berry Farms, California Grown, California Milk Advisory Board, California Walnut Board and Commission, Dairy Council of California, Farm Bureau Bank, Nationwide, OC Fairgrounds: Centennial Farm, SunSweet and UnitedAg.
"Giving Back with Farm Bureau" complemented the meeting's broader discussion on the importance of farming and ranching and seeks to foster agricultural education by providing resources to local children.
Douglass and American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall highlighted the initiative's impact and addressed key issues affecting farmers and ranchers, including immigration reform, managing regulatory costs and growing the future leaders of agriculture.
"This (backpack donation effort) is a great example of our county Farm Bureaus giving back to their community," Duvall said. "Growing a new generation that understands agriculture is very, very important because today, people want to know more about their food than ever before."
Teaching children about where their food comes from, Duvall said, opens the door for future generations interested in 4-H and FFA and careers in agriculture.
Photos, B-roll and other media assets from the philanthropy event are available in this folder.
California Farm Bureau works to protect family farms and ranches as part of a nationwide network representing more than 5 million Farm Bureau members. Learn more at www.cfbf.com or follow @cafarmbureau on Instagram, LinkedIn, X or Facebook.
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