Feed the Farmer returns Saturday

MT. PLEASANT — Mt. Pleasant High School’s FFA will once again Feed the Farmers this weekend as they offer a small token of appreciation for the hardworking farmers of Henry County.

“Feed the farmers is where we hand out meals to the farmers and really it is just about showing our appreciation for the farmers that are supplying us with the food that we eat every day,” FFA member and MPCHS Junior Dakota Lange explained.

According to the FFA Secretary Briar Bender, their FFA chapter has held this event for the last several years and members and farmers alike look forward to it.

“I just appreciate that we’re giving recognition to those who aren’t always recognized, just local farmers in the area,” Lange said. “They’re getting rewarded for all that they do.”

Both members feel that the opportunity is more than just a thank you, too.

“ … this event it helps spread like positivity about the community the ag community and it helps show like how strong a community is and how much people won't help each other,” Lange said.

Bender says just practically, offering a meal is helpful to farmers.

“I know for a lot of farmers when you have someone that is supposed to bring you lunch and stuff, it makes it a lot easier,” Bender said. “ … you don’t have to make a meal when you can be out doing other stuff and helping. You can just quickly come by, say thank you, and go get the farmers their meals then go do something else.”

“It saves farmers a lot of time,” he said.

According to Lange, this sense of caring for one another is deeply ingrained in the agricultural community.

“I feel like one of the biggest words in the ag community is probably ‘neighbor,’” he explained. “People don’t need anything to help their neighbors when they’re in need. Farmers especially have that sense of ‘you help me, I help you,’ and that goes a long way.”

So, as with years past, the Mt. Pleasant FFA students will set up shop at Chem-Gro in Salem and Agri-Center in Mt. Pleasant with 100 total meals provided by Iowa Corn Growers Association from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or until supplies are gone.

With meals running out before 1 p.m. in some previous years, farmers are encouraged to get out and see their FFA supporters early as all meals are first come, first served.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com