This spring has brought uncertainty to many FFA members and chapters across the
country -- as banquets, spring plant sales and fundraisers have been canceled.
The National FFA Organization has developed a program-- the FFA COVID-19
Chapter Assistance Program -- to help chapters in these uncertain times.
The purpose of this program is to provide FFA chapters with an opportunity to
receive up to $2,000 in funding to help offset the loss of program revenue and
to assist them in navigating through these difficult times. "Spring and
summer are traditionally a key time for our chapters to fundraise," said
National FFA Chief Program Officer, Christine White. "Due to school
closures and the current need for social distancing, it has made it difficult
for chapters to host these essential events, creating a negative impact on
their chapter programs' revenue."
Cargill, a 60-year partner of FFA, announced today that they will contribute
$500,000 to the program to assist chapters.
This contribution is part of Cargill's $35 million commitment to COVID-19
relief and recovery efforts and specifically to Cargill's North America Protein
support for partners focusing on agriculture communities, farmers and ranchers.
"At the heart of our food system, farmers carry on their essential work of
nourishing the world. We are partnering with organizations like FFA to support
the resilience of communities, farmers and ranchers during this unprecedented
time," said John Niemann, managing director, protein ingredients &
international channel, Cargill Protein North America and current chair of the
National FFA Sponsors Board. "We want to thank FFA for their continued
support of future sustainability and agriculture leaders who continue to
provide innovative solutions to the challenges of a complex food system."
"Throughout this COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen our members across the
country step up to the plate and help in their communities," said National
FFA Organization Chief Marketing Officer Molly Ball. "At National FFA we
are excited to have this opportunity to assist our chapters where it is needed
so they can continue to do the great work. We appreciate our partnership with
Cargill as we continue to grow the next generation of leaders in
agriculture."
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career
success training through agricultural education to more than 700,000 student
members who belong to one of the more than 8,600 local FFA chapters throughout
the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also
supported by more than 8 million alumni and supporters throughout the U.S.