Young Leaders Efforts Help To Fight Hunger

Sixteen Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders recently returned from the Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference, where they were recognized for their continuing fight to end hunger. The national event, held in Phoenix, Arizona, is hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).

The IFB Young Leaders brought in the most dollars donated for the Harvest for All competition, with totals reaching $786,949. They came in runner-up for number of hours volunteered, giving just more than 20000 hours of their time. They also donated 68,715 pounds of food. For their efforts, the group received $2500 to be donated to food pantries in Illinois.

In their continuing effort for Harvest for All, the Young Leader will be on hand at the Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference, held February 20-21, at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. In partnership with Ford, a Farm Bureau member benefit, there will be a Ford truck on site and the group will collect canned goods in an effort to "Fill A Ford With Food."

Conference attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items to contribute. Those who do will be entered in a drawing for a gift basket of Ford products. The donations will go to Central Illinois Food Bank, based in Springfield, to help feed the hungry in the capital city area.

Jennifer Smith, manager of IFB Young Leaders, commented on the Young Leaders recent and future successes. "The Young Leaders continue to represent Illinois is so many great ways. Through their activities and competitions, they continue to not only improve themselves, but helps improve our community through their countless efforts to fight hunger and improve the lives of those less fortunate," she said.