Concordia FFA thrives with MO farmers care partnerships

By Blake Jackson

Concordia FFA, led by veteran advisor Amanda Reid, leverages partnerships with Missouri Farmers Care programs to enrich student experiences, leadership development, and community service initiatives. These collaborations provide hands-on opportunities for "learning to do" and "living to serve," embodying the FFA motto. 

Tackling Food Insecurity: 

• Drive to Feed Kids: This grant supports Concordia FFA's "Back-Snack" project, providing weekend meals for food-insecure students. Recognizing the project's impact on families, the chapter expanded their efforts with additional food security initiatives. 
• Community-wide Meal Packing: Concordia FFA leads an annual event where the entire student body packs meals for families in need. Over 30,000 meals are packed and distributed locally. 
• Self-Service Food Pantries: Built by an agriculture construction class, these pantries offer additional food assistance to community members. Local churches have added pantries inspired by the FFA's initiative. 

Inspiring Service and Agriculture Education: 

• Ag Moves™: Partnering with Missouri Farmers Care, Concordia FFA members teach STEM-focused agriculture lessons to 3rd graders. This program helps students develop communication, cooperation, and leadership skills while fostering a love for agriculture. 
• Holiday Bundles: Members apply food science knowledge to prepare and deliver holiday meals with recipe cards to families in need, maximizing the impact of their efforts. 

Building a Sustainable Future: 

• Local Business Support: Businesses generously contribute to the chapter's meal packing and holiday bundle projects, demonstrating community support for their initiatives. 
• Expanding Ag Moves™: The chapter aims to extend the Ag Moves™ program to the local private school, further promoting agriculture education. 
• Investing in the Future: By teaching 3rd graders, Concordia FFA members are cultivating future agriculture students and ensuring the chapter's sustainability. 

The Power of Collaboration: 

Amanda Reid emphasizes the value of Missouri Farmers Care partnerships. These programs provide financial support, resources, and networking opportunities, empowering FFA chapters to make a real difference in their communities. 

Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr