Students of Narraguagus High School’s FFA Chapter (formerly known as “Future Farmers of America, with designation abbreviated to reflect the diversity of modern agriculture/natural resource management) worked with their advisors during the month of March to address the issues of local food insecurity and homelessness.
With over 700,000 members enrolled in secondary and middle school agriculture and natural resources education, the National FFA Organization and its local chapters have long valued assisting communities through volunteer efforts, donations and grants. Under a “Living to Serve” grant from the National FFA Organization, the Narraguagus FFA chapter completed activities related to a statewide effort by the Maine FFA Association.
Megan Smith, Community Resources Coordinator at the Maine Seacoast Mission food pantry in Cherryfield spoke to students about the complicated issues of homelessness and food security and how they affect Maine communities. From funds provided by the National FFA and with support of the Walmart Supercenter in Ellsworth, Narraguagus FFA purchased $1,000 in priority items for the food pantry.
Narraguagus FFA members have additional planned activities to support the food pantry that they hope to pursue in the fall when they return to school. Advisors Caroline Foote, Kathy Howell and David Riddle are proud of their students’ accomplishments and welcome other students to become involved in their FFA chapter.
For additional information on starting an FFA chapter, please contact Doug Robertson, Maine FFA Advisor, Maine Department of Education, doug.robertson@maine.gov, 207-624-6744.