BROOKINGS — The blue corduroy jacket is a familiar symbol of the FFA organization, worn as part of official dress during most FFA activities. On April 18 at the South Dakota FFA convention in Brookings, as part of a South Dakota FFA Living to Serve Day, members removed their jackets and rolled up their sleeves to help stop hunger in South Dakota.

Working with industry and Meals of Hope, this South Dakota FFA Foundation hands-on project combats hunger. South Dakota FFA members measured, poured, sealed, and boxed 48,300 meals in assembly line fashion. Members stopped in between workshops and competitive events throughout the convention and left the event knowing that by giving a few minutes of their time they would make a significant difference in the life of a person less fortunate than themselves. The Meals of Hope food packages are a hearty pasta and tomato sauce meal. All of the 48,300 meals were donated to Feeding South Dakota, based in Sioux Falls and will be distributed across our state.

Jennifer Stensaas, community engagement manager for Feeding South Dakota, attended and expressed great appreciation for the event, the members’ hard work, and South Dakota FFA’s food donation. In addition, when asked how long the supply might last, Stensaas said that during high need times it may only last 30 to 60 days.

Sandy Osterday, South Dakota FFA Foundation board president and event chairperson, added, “The South Dakota FFA and FFA Foundation are proud to be able to have a part in providing quality food to families in need across our state. We are grateful for our sponsors who believe in our mission of Living to Serve."

The South Dakota FFA Foundation received event funding through grants provided by the National FFA, Walmart of Brookings and Sioux Falls, and Corteva Agriscience’s Pioneer seed team, who also provided area staff that were great hands-on help during the event.

The South Dakota FFA Foundation supports agricultural education and the FFA’s mission to make a difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more information about the South Dakota FFA Foundation and South Dakota’s FFA programs, visit www.sdffafoundation.org or follow the foundation on Facebook.