FFA Hunger Challenge to benefit Backpack Programs during Tulsa State Fair

TULSA, Okla. – Representatives from the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma will be on hand at the Tulsa State Fair to accept livestock donations from FFA livestock showing students. The donations will benefit the Beef for Backpacks and Pork for Packs Programs and will be accepted Oct. 4 and 5 in Explorer Arena.

Through the Beef for Backpacks and Pork for Packs programs, the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation takes donated livestock to produce nutritious beef and pork sticks for the Food for Kids Programs at the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. The beef and pork sticks are included in backpacks of non-perishable, kid-friendly foods for chronically hungry school children on weekends and school holidays.

Through the two food banks, the backpacks are provided to more than 25,000 students each week at schools in all 77 Oklahoma counties.

“The FFA hunger challenge has been a tremendous blessing for the backpack programs,” said Amanda Rosholt, director of fundraising and public relations for the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation. “This year, the Oklahoma FFA state officer team has challenged all 357 Oklahoma FFA chapters to donate in an effort to produce 1 million protein sticks for school students across the state.”

For more information on the backpack programs or to make a donation, contact Amanda Rosholt at Amanda.rosholt@aggiving.org, (405) 202-1463 or visit www.okfarmingandranchingfoundation.org/beef-for-backpacks.

About the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation

The Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation was formed in 2011 as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit to enhance awareness and understanding of agriculture’s contribution and importance to the state of Oklahoma. Through educational and social programs for citizens of all ages, the Foundation aims to help Oklahomans understand the positive impact agriculture has on the state and the importance of protecting it for future generations. From promoting and assisting beginning farmers and ranchers to educating youth interested in agricultural pursuits, the foundation creates agricultural awareness.

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-- Gina Quinn (9/26/2016)
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