Whitney Treagesser (center), of the Henryetta FFA Chapter, was recognized for the chapter’s contribution toward the 2018 Oklahoma FFA Hunger Challenge at the 92nd Oklahoma FFA Convention at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City May 2. Nikki Snider (left) of Oklahoma Pork Council and Thad Doye of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau congratulate Treagesser.
In response to the theme “Work for a Cause. Not an Applause,” FFA members from 231 chapters statewide donated livestock and/or money to provide 1,055,437 protein sticks for the Oklahoma Food Bank’s Backpack Program.
According to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, the protein sticks from each donated animal are given to children in the county of the donating FFA chapter.
The Oklahoma Food Bank’s Backpack Program is a collaborative effort among local farmers, manufacturers and processors to provide the protein sticks through the Beef for Backpacks and Pork for Packs programs. Last year, the program provided food to more than 34,000 elementary school children who have inconsistent access to food on weekends and school holidays.
Partnering with the Oklahoma FFA Association in the Hunger Challenge were Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation, Oklahoma Pork Council, Wes and Lou Watkins, Tulsa State Fair, Oklahoma Youth Expo and Ag Youth Magazine.