Brand continues partnership with National FFA Organization, kicks off this year's tour with a $74,000 donation.

September 12, 2022

3 Min Read
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Smithfield Foods

To invest in the future of the agricultural industry and show appreciation for the honest work, day in and day out, in Midwest farming communities, Farmland has launched year two of its Honoring the Heartland Tour. The 12-week mission is highlighting the fundamental role the region plays by providing monetary donations to support the next generation of farmers and delivering "grab-n-go" meals to those working in the agriculture industry, farming communities and grocery/retail establishments. During the first year of the truck tour, Farmland served over 11,000 meals to proud Midwest residents and donated more than 160,000 servings of protein to benefit the Omaha, Nebraska, community.

Since July, the Farmland Honoring the Heartland Tour food truck has been making two to three stops per week in various locations rooted in Midwestern neighborhoods. In addition to distributing meals, Farmland will continue its partnership with the National FFA Organization to assist in its vision to grow leaders, build communities and strengthen agriculture at the local, state and national levels. Throughout the remainder of the tour, Farmland will be donating a total of $150,000 to the National FFA Organization and local FFA chapters, beginning with a $65,000 donation to the National FFA Organization and a $9,000 donation to the local Kansas FFA Association. Today's donation event took place at the Kansas State Fair, where Farmland's food truck also made an appearance to supply samples to attendees.

"At Farmland, we're constantly inspired by the organizations, communities and individuals across the Midwest who play a fundamental role in our food supply," said Jessica Scarlett, senior associate brand manager for Farmland. "Supporting the future of the agriculture industry and providing the next wave of farmers with the tools needed to succeed has been a longstanding commitment of our brand. We are proud to continue the legacy of the Farmland Honoring of the Heartland Tour and our partnership with the National FFA Organization for a second year." 

Farmland also launched its Farmland FFA Heartland Grant Program to support students' goals and inspire continued growth in the agriculture industry. Through the program, Farmland will provide $20,000 in financial support via grants valued at $1,000 each. Farmland is encouraging FFA members located in Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri to enroll through an open application process, ending Oct. 9.

"We are grateful for Farmland's ongoing support of the National FFA Organization's mission to make a positive difference in the lives of students," said Molly Ball, president for the National FFA Foundation and chief marketing officer for the National FFA Organization. "We're happy to join the brand in recognizing the often-overlooked heroes of farming and agriculture."

In addition, Farmland is proud to be an official partner of country superstar Luke Bryan's Farm Tour for a second consecutive year. In its 13th year, Farm Tour is an annual concert series that gives back by awarding college scholarships to students from farming families who are attending a local college or university near the tour stops. To date, more than 60 scholarships have been granted.

Source: Smithfield Foods, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

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