News release
Hays High senior Wyatt Grabbe, Agriculture Ambassador for the Ellis County Farm Bureau, recently completed a food pantry project within the Ellis County community.
The collection of food was an opportunity to celebrate help National Agriculture Month in March. The project included a video created by the Ellis County Farm Bureau highlighting the safe and abundant food available in America. The video also brings awareness to and highlights food insecurity within our communities.
According to the Feeding America organization, one in 10 Americans are faced with food insecurity. Current statistics in Kansas indicate the food insecurity rate is at 9.8 percent. The video was released to local schools as a part of the "Ag in the Classroom” project supported by the county Farm Bureau.
School-aged children were challenged to collect food to help battle food insecurity in the community. The Fort Hays State University Collegiate Farm Bureau and the Fort Hays State Rodeo Club participated in a food drive held the last Saturday in March at the East Dillons Store.
Food items and cash donations collected throughout the month of March were presented to the food pantry supporting those who are serviced by Developmental Services of Northwestern Kansas. Grabbe worked with the following organizations to make the project a success; Jason Taylor, Carrico Implement; Dillons Food Market on Vine; local elementary schools; FHSU Rodeo Club; and FHSU Collegiate Farm Bureau Organization.