Across the country, before FFA members went home for the Thanksgiving break to enjoy meals with their own families, many ventured out with their chapters to live out the organization’s mission: growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Students are proving that service is not an extracurricular activity — it’s a way of life — as they packaged by the thousands meals for food-insecure families and deliver warm lunches to farmers during harvest.
Below is a look at several standout efforts from FFA chapters making an impact this fall.
Tate FFA packs over 63,000 meals for local families
“Food insecurity is real within Escambia County,” wrote Melissa Gibbs, Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor
At Tate High School in Cantonment, Florida, more than a dozen student groups united for one shared purpose: combating hunger in their own backyard. Tate FFA, alongside athletic teams, student organizations, and community volunteers, packaged a remarkable 63,808 meals through the Meals of Hope program.
Students from Tate FFA, Tate Softball, Tate Baseball, Student Council, Yearbook, Tate FFA Alumni, and Ransom Middle School FFA/Ag programs worked side by side, finishing the entire project in under three hours.
Gibbs emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting that it not only addresses local food insecurity but also gives students invaluable experience in teamwork and service.
“Thank you to our sponsors and student body for coming together to support our local community,” wrote Principal Laura Touchstone
Touchstone praised the chapter’s commitment to creating leaders and strengthening the agricultural community, calling the project a testament to Tate FFA’s mission and legacy.
The packed meals will be distributed across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, with major support from sponsors including the Escambia County Florida Farm Bureau, Big John’s Heating and Air, Richard and Marie Gibbs, Marcus Pointe Baptist Church, and Tate FFA Alumni.
Versailles FFA delivers meals straight to fields
“Most of all thank you to the area farmers for all they do to feed the world,” wrote the chapter on Facebook.
In Ohio, Versailles FFA dedicated the month of October to delivering warm meals directly to farmers harvesting crops across Versailles, North Star, Osgood, Yorkshire, Willowdell, and northern Greenville.
Students distributed over 100 meals, each containing sandwiches, chips, apples, yogurt, dessert, and chocolate milk. They also included handwritten thank-you cards crafted by Versailles High School students.
This effort was made possible with support from Phelan Insurance, McDonald’s, and Dannon Yogurt, whose contributions helped fuel hardworking farmers during one of the busiest seasons of the year.
Hiawatha FFA’s harvest meals a ‘huge success’
Hiawatha FFA celebrated another successful year of Harvest Meals, delivering food and appreciation to local producers near Hiawatha, Kansas. Organized by student leader Claire Twombly, while the chapter advisor was away at Manufacturing Day, the project came together thanks to dedicated volunteers and drivers.
The chapter hinted that even more community-centered service projects are on the horizon, “Thank you again to our area producers, we appreciate all the hard work.”
Field meals Across Iowa: 300 delivered by regional FFA chapters
In Iowa, multiple FFA chapters teamed up with Farmers Coop Association and Vision Ag to provide 300 meals to farmers working long hours in the field.
Deliveries included:
- Sigourney FFA: 75 meals (Sept. 29)
- Van Buren County FFA: 75 meals (Oct. 2)
- Keota FFA: 75 meals (Oct. 3)
- Central Lee FFA: 75 meals (Oct. 9)
For the third consecutive year, this regional partnership ensured that farmers had hearty meals while students gained meaningful exposure to community outreach and agricultural careers.
“We’re proud to support our local ag communities — farmers, students, and everyone in between,” wrote FCA and Vision Ag.
Jasper FFA’s 166 ‘meals in the fields’
In Indiana, Jasper FFA celebrated its second annual Meals in the Fields, delivering 166 warm meals to hardworking farmers across Dubois County. The chapter encouraged community members to stay connected and nominate farmers for future years’ deliveries, building ongoing relationships across the county.
“Remember to thank a farmer this harvest season,” wrote the school.
Milton FFA delivers 110 meals in Rock County
Supported by Wyffels Hybrids and community members Luke Bird and Steve Quade, Milton FFA delivered 110 meals to farmers nearing the end of their fall harvest. With the Reed Family hosting the event, students were able to express gratitude while strengthening ties with local producers.
“We enjoy giving back to the hardworking farmers in Rock County,” wrote Milton FFA.
Riverdale FFA prepares 176 home-cooked meals
Riverdale FFA’s effort began the night before meal delivery in Wisconsin, when 40 students gathered to prepare coleslaw, cheesy potatoes, sliced ham, and baked goods. The next day, they hit the road, delivering 176 home-cooked meals across the region.
Support from Compeer Financial helped offset the costs, allowing students to focus on giving back to the agricultural community that supports them.
“Happy belated farmer appreciation day to all the men and women out there that feed the world!”
Mormon Trail FFA Delivers 150 producer lunches
At Mormon Trail, students continued the tradition of supporting local ag producers by delivering 150 lunches, a gesture of gratitude during harvest. With strong community partnerships and eager volunteers, the project once again highlighted the chapter’s commitment to service.
“150 meals delivered. We have the best help and the best sponsors!”
Blair FFA celebrates farmers with field deliveries
“It’s our way of saying thank you for everything they do to keep our community fed and growing.”
Blair FFA in Nebraska wrapped up its own farmer appreciation effort by visiting fields across the area with meals in hand. Students spent the day connecting with producers, gaining firsthand understanding of the long hours and dedication that define harvest season.
From Florida to Iowa, Ohio to Indiana, these FFA chapters demonstrate what happens when young people step up to serve their communities. Whether packaging thousands of meals for families or delivering warm lunches to farmers, FFA members are building stronger, more connected agricultural communities one meal at a time.
