Harvest for All is a yearlong campaign encouraging Farm Bureau members nationwide to work together to help fight hunger. Each state Farm Bureau reports annual numbers — numbers that help tell the story of what farmers across the country do to fight hunger.
In Michigan this effort is supported through the State Young Farmer Committee’s annual contest that pits districts against each another to see which can contribute the most volunteer time, surplus commodities, non-perishable food products and cash on behalf of Farm Bureau.
In 2022 county Farm Bureau members efforts led to more than 41,722 pounds of food, $42,221 in financial donations, and 966 hours of volunteer time being given to neighbors in need.
This year county Farm Bureaus have already been hard at work. Multiple counties have purchased and donated whole animals from county fair livestock auctions to local food banks, while others are taking up collections at their county annual meetings and summer events.
Counties can bolster their totals by taking advantage of the Agent Charitable Fund’s Double-up Donation Match Program grants, which help counties double their contributions. For 2023, the ACF is willing to consider retroactive requests.
If you’ve made a monetary donation toward hunger-relief efforts in 2023 — and did NOT apply for Double-Up — submit a request here before the end of the year and receive reimbursement for half of your donation, as funds allow.
The final two grant review deadlines of 2023 are Oct. 6 and Nov. 17. If you have any questions, please contact ACF Manager Persis Sopariwala.
If counties are looking to engage with their local Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter, there is a Collegiate-focused contest from Sept. 1 to Dec. 15.
Collegiate members will be planning activities for this contest and counties can reach out to them to help with their efforts. Collegiate activities do count towards district-level Harvest For All totals.
Questions about this contest or point of contacts for Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters should be directed to MFB High School & Collegiate Programs Specialist Katie Eisenberger.
Counties have until Dec. 31 to submit their totals to the state contest through their county administrative manager. If you are actively giving of your time, funds, or food products as a Farm Bureau member, make sure to submit your activities to your CAM.
If you have questions about the Harvest for All campaign, contact Young Farmer Program Specialist Megan Sprague.
Share Story
Article Tags
Katie Eisenberger
Megan Sprague
