Farm Bureau philanthropic effort supports local youths

The California Farm Bureau unveiled a new philanthropic initiative—“Giving Back with Farm Bureau”—during its 107th Annual Meeting and the California Young Farmers & Ranchers State Conference held in Anaheim Dec. 6-9.

The hands-on project brought together Farm Bureau members and event attendees to assemble 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, learning materials and healthy snacks. The backpacks were donated to the OC Fair & Event Center Centennial Farm in Costa Mesa for distribution to local children. The effort also doubled as a friendly competition, with attendees from different regions competing to assemble the most backpacks.

“Supporting our communities has always been an important part of Farm Bureau’s mission,” said California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass. “This effort reflects that commitment, helping ensure children have the tools they need to succeed in school.”

The initiative was supported by several agricultural partners, including 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 Fair & Event Center Centennial Farm, SunSweet and UnitedAg.

The effort complemented the Annual Meeting’s broader discussion about the importance of farming and ranching, and sought to foster agricultural education by providing resources to local children.

Douglass and American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall highlighted the project’s impact and tied it to broader conversations about the future of agriculture, from immigration reform and managing regulatory costs to leadership development.

“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 people today want to know more about their food than ever before.”

He added that helping children understand where their food comes from can spark interest in 4-H, FFA and careers in agriculture.

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