Agri View: America’s Youth Convention

Everett Griner talks about America’s foremost youth meeting in today’s Agri View. Hear Everett’s report and learn more. →

National FFA Convention proved to be another new experience for the HungerU Crew.  While all four of us had never before experienced an FFA event, we were excited to engage with student leaders from across the country about their passion for farming.  Throughout our week in Louisville, we met thousands of America’s future farmers, eager to explore opportunities to improve the world through agricultural pursuits.

As I stared out into a sea of blue corduroy, I was admittedly overwhelmed.  The sheer number of FFA members seemed daunting, especially from an outside perspective.  I scanned the crowds in search of my home state, hoping to make the Pennsylvania connection in very unfamiliar territory.  I prepared myself to draw on my lifelong experiences as a Pennsylvania Farm Show spectator, knowing that PA FFA members were most likely the source of central PA’s most exciting event each January.  Determined to form connections and diversify my perspective on food issues, I decidedly approached the convention with an open mind.

After countless interactions and hundreds of HungerU Challenges taken, I was particularly impressed by one certain instance of dedication to alleviating hunger and food insecurity.  A young member from Alabama shared the story of her high school’s involvement with food issues in their local community.  She explained that her FFA chapter operates a small produce farm on campus for the purpose of providing food for those in need in the local community.  Fresh vegetables are regularly delivered to a local homeless shelter where they are then prepared for the shelter’s meal program.  She described the greater awareness of hunger that this experience had given her and expressed how this opportunity to give back has had a lasting impact.

HungerU was not alone in its hunger awareness efforts at FFA Convention.  Amidst numerous exhibits in the expansive exhibit hall, I sought out Alliance to End Hunger, our neighboring booth, to gain insight into their approach to solving the global hunger problem.  Comprised of approximately 90 member organizations, the Alliance to End Hunger includes Campus Kitchens Project, HungerU’s food donation partner on many university tour stops.  Acting as a unifying force across many groups and organizations, the Alliance to End Hunger chose to shine light on civic duty and the role of public advocacy at FFA Convention.  Through a hand-delivered “letter to your senator” campaign, FFA members were engaged in the legislative process and the role that policy can play in providing food for all.

FFA Convention was an eye-opening experience, expanding my knowledge of the wide variety of agricultural efforts that will ultimately contribute to feeding the world.  By providing our nation’s future of food with the resources to understand the scope of world hunger, we will be one step closer to finding a solution.

Brianna Marshall

....I really want to go back and do it again! :'D

It was nice to meet a whole lot of people, from Oklahoma and Iowa, and even Hawaii!!! :)