Amid the coronavirus pandemic, FS Grain and Gold Star FS, two members of the Growmark System, have begun accepting grain donations to raise money for food banks across the Midwest.
“Here in America, we are accustomed to being the greatest agricultural nation in the world and we know that many of our neighbors’ lives and finances have been turned upside down,” Mike Schaver, Gold Star’s grain development manager said. “Food banks across the country are trying to navigate unprecedented need while experiencing reductions in donations from the public sector, as well as traditional donations from grocery stores and restaurants.”
The campaign was spearheaded by Gold Star FS customer and Illinois farmer Nik Jacobs, who said he hopes this spreads all over the country.
“While the idea of grain donations is nothing new, it’s the fastest way farmers and the agriculture community can make an immediate impact on the food shortages caused by this pandemic,” Jakobs said. “We are the largest, most productive agricultural country on the planet. We can make a difference, and quickly.”
So far in just a few days, $20,000 has been donated, which means that $160,000 worth of groceries can be bought.
“Though the reality of the COVID-19 crisis means we anticipate challenging days and weeks ahead, we’re also beyond blessed to have an extremely passionate community that always answers the call to help our neighbors in need,” said Lee Cheney, Director of Food Procurement at Northern Illinois Food Bank. “This includes our farm producers, which have always been amazing allies in our fight against hunger.”