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Teaming up to fight food insecurity

Indiana corn and soybean farmers are teaming up with the Indianapolis Colts again this football season to help stop hunger in Indiana.  Yesterday more than 200 FFA members and farmers came together to pack meals that will be distributed through Gleaners, Midwest Food Bank, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Indiana to help in the fight against food insecurity.

Colts defensive end Cory Redding says it’s a great opportunity for all involved to give back.  “I’m a 310 pound gentleman,” he says.  “And I didn’t get that way just by chance.  I ate my way up there, and lifted weights.  With FFA, and the farmers, folks who work day in and day out and give their blood, sweat, and tears to produce a crop to feed someone – so they can become better – there’s nothing more gratifying than that.”

Cory Redding, Indianapolis Colts

Joe Steinkamp, Indiana Soybean Alliance vice-president says the event is an opportunity to bring attention to the food insecurity problems in America – but also show how agriculture is part of the solution.  “We’re promoting that soybean farmers and corn farmers are growing the crops that we’re using to feed the people,” he says.  “Because our livestock doesn’t eat without the corn and soybeans that they’re fed.”

Joe Steinkamp, Indiana Soybean Alliance

Nine FFA chapters participated in yesterday’s Million Meals Marathon.  Kathleen Jacobs, Indiana FFA state treasurer, says this is a great opportunity to spend time with her fellow FFA members.  “I think this is perfect that this is happening around Thanksgiving to really show how giving is better than receiving,” she says.  “I’m excited to tell other FFA members that we, the state officers, are regular people and we love giving back.  That’s one of the main reasons we wanted to be state officers.  I’m hoping they can see that and inspire them to help more.”

Kathleen Jacobs, Indiana FFA State Treasurer

During their two-hour shift FFA members and farmers packed more than 300,000 meals and for the second year, the FFA chapters participating in the Million Meal Marathon also took home meals to distribute to their local food pantries.

In addition to the Million Meal Marathon, the ISA and ICMC will donate $10 for every defensive tackle the Colts make this season to Kids Against Hunger.

Dennis Maple, Indiana Corn Marketing Council