BROOKINGS — The South Dakota FFA Association will host the 97th Annual South Dakota State FFA Convention on April 3-5 at the Dacotah Bank Center and South Dakota State University’s campus.
The convention, with the theme of “Never Settle,” will be led by the state FFA officers include President Maya Howard, Miller; Vice President Raul Berrones Pedraza, Milbank; Secretary Ethan Hendricks, Rapid City; Treasurer Bailey Weegar, Viborg-Hurley; and Reporter Hailey Kizer, Howard. The state FFA Convention is like the “state championship” of FFA, that highlights the successes of South Dakota’s FFA members.
Throughout the three-day convention, over 2,000 FFA members, advisers and guests will:
Participate in a Career Carnival with exhibits from 55 ag industry leaders and colleges
Package 55,000 meals for Meals of Hope, which will be provided to Feeding South Dakota
Attend leadership workshops hosted by First Dakota National Bank, the Agtegra Innovations Center, South Dakota Agriculture & Rural Leadership, South Dakota Beef Industry Council, Field Reveal, USDA Risk Management, Farm Credit Services of America, National FFA officer Jack Lingenfelter, National FFA Alumni, Ag Ed Ambassadors, and Caleb Weiland, former FFA member.
Showcase agricultural skills by competing in hands-on career development events in agricultural business management, agricultural technology and mechanical systems, agronomy, dairy cattle evaluation, floriculture, food science and technology, horse evaluation, livestock evaluation, meats evaluation and technology, milk quality and products, natural resources, nursery/landscape, range plant identification and veterinary science.
Four award sessions — Thursday evening, Friday afternoon and evening, and Saturday morning — will include:
Bestowing the State FFA Degree on 324 members, the highest degree of members in South Dakota FFA
Recognizing outstanding FFA members for their Supervised Agriculture Experience projects in the STARS Pageant (Star Greenhand, Star in Agriscience, Star in Agribusiness, Star in Agricultural Placement, and Star Farmer) and proficiency awards
Awarding scholarships to graduating seniors and postsecondary students studying agriculture
Hearing inspiring messages from state FFA officers, National FFA Southern Region Vice President Jack Lingenfelter of Georgia, and keynote speaker Melvin Adams
Commending members for their success in agricultural career development events, as they advance to national competition in Indianapolis this fall
Honoring supporters with the Honorary State FFA Degree and Distinguished Service awards
Thanking past state FFA officers and the FFA Foundation board
Celebrate the South Dakota FFA Family of the Year, the Mary and late Myron Williams family, from Wall.
Recognizing FFA chapters that have demonstrated outstanding involvement in building leaders, growing communities and strengthening agriculture with the National Chapter award
Installing the 2025-26 state FFA officers and ambassadors
Together, we can make a difference. If you’re attending the South Dakota FFA Convention or live nearby, come lend a hand and help Meals of Hope bring hope to the table—one meal at a time.
Can’t make this one? Explore ways to get involved in the fight against food insecurity with Meals of Hope today!
The Rotary Club of Bedford is counting the days to Hope for the Hungry 2025, the club’s annual meal-packing to fight hunger. The event on Saturday, April 26 happens from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Bedford Campus Center of Middlesex Community College.
Led by the Rotary Club of Bedford, the event is co-hosted this year by the Rotary Clubs of Chelmsford and Merrimack Valley. Planning for the meal-packing began months ago.
The top priority was fundraising to purchase the meal-making ingredients. Sponsors and donors to date include Rotary District 7910, Rotary Club of Bedford, Meals of Hope, Brookline Bank, Northern Bank, Ken’s NY Deli & Pizzeria, Enterprise Bank, Ocular Therapeutix, Rotary Club of Billerica, and Laer Realty Partners/Debi Malone. Click here to donate.
The priority now are volunteers who are essential to Hope for the Hungry’s success.
Twelve long tables, stocked for packing, await the dozens of packers needed to assemble thousands of meals over the course of a few hours.
Past volunteers often return to pack again as do the crew members who supply and support the packers. It’s all about teamwork. Club members, neighbors, work colleagues and families form teams, all working towards a common goal while having fun.
Starting in 2013, except for two years during Covid, this is the 11th year of Bedford Rotary’s ongoing effort to combat food insecurity, globally and locally.
The packed meals fed children and families in poor African nations in earlier years. Last year, a partnership began with Meals of Hope that turned the focus to local needs.
Based in Naples, FL with its northeast headquarters in Chelmsford, it supplies all the packing paraphernalia and the ingredients for this year’s chosen Mac ‘n Cheese meals. The bulk of the packed meals are now delivered to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, but some also go to the Bedford Food Pantry.
The April 26 event also provides the opportunity to join Bedford Rotary’s long-standing support of the Middlesex Community College food pantries.
The Campus Center where the meal packing will take place will be open for collection drop-offs of personal care items to benefit the MCC food pantries in Bedford and Lowell. The list of items being collected are in the flyer.
Interested in continuing the fight against food insecurity? Get involved with Meals of Hope by hosting a meal-packing event, volunteering, or making a donation. By participating, you become part of a community that provides food, hope, and the opportunity for a better future.
Meals of Hope, a national nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity, celebrated the grand opening of its Ohio chapter on Saturday, March 15th, with a highly successful meal-packing event in Hilliard. In partnership with the Hilliard Food Pantry, Kiwanis Club of Hilliard, and the Hilliard United Methodist Church, nearly 200 volunteers packed over 50,000 nutritious meals for Central Ohio families.
The event, held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., marked the official launch of Meals of Hope’s presence in Ohio. Spearheaded by Hilliard resident Jen Markewicz and her family, the event brought together nearly 200 volunteers from multiple different organizations, including McKesson, Hilliard Church of Christ, Knights of Columbus, Moose Lodge, Parker Hannifin, and Hilliard Davidson High School to address the growing need for food assistance in the region.
Meals of Hope has a 17-year history of organizing community-driven meal-packing events across the United States. To date, the organization has mobilized over 250,000 volunteers and packed more than 100 million meals. The Ohio chapter aims to continue this impactful work by providing local organizations with a tangible way to support their communities.
“Our goal for volunteer turnout was 100 people. When nearly 200 people showed up, I was overwhelmed with emotion and pride for my Central Ohio Community,” said Jen Markewicz. “The event was full of energy, excitement, and people working together for 2 hours to pack 5 pallets of a pasta meal that will be distributed right here in our community. Over 50,000 meals!”
The packed meals will be distributed through the Hilliard Food Pantry and Kiwanis Club of Hilliard to food-insecure families in Central Ohio. Meals of Hope in Ohio is now open and actively seeking partnerships with organizations interested in hosting future meal-packing events. These events offer a unique team-building experience while directly addressing food insecurity.
Organizations interested in volunteering or hosting a Meals of Hope event can contact the Ohio chapter at (614) 636-1026 or visit https://mealsofhope.org/ohiosouth/. Meals of Hope is available to set up events anywhere and encourages any organization looking to make a direct impact on their community to reach out.
About Meals of Hope:
Meals of Hope is a national nonprofit organization that empowers communities to combat hunger through hands-on meal-packing events. For over 15 years, Meals of Hope has brought together volunteers from businesses, organizations, and communities to package nutritious meals for those in need.
Meals of Hope just received a significant boost in their mission to fight hunger in Southwest Florida. B. Thomas Golisano has awarded them a $3 million grant that will strengthen their efforts to provide nutritious meals to families in need.
Southwest Florida has seen increasing numbers of people struggling to put food on the table. Meals of Hope has been at the forefront of addressing this challenge, and this new funding will allow them to reach even more community members facing food insecurity.
A Significant Investment to Help Combat Hunger
Tom Golisano, — entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader — is the founder of Paychex, Inc., the nation’s largest human resource company for small to medium-sized businesses. His philanthropic contributions to education, hospitals, disability services, animal welfare, and numerous other organizations exceed $860 million. This grant is part of a larger $85 million distribution to 41 Southwest Florida nonprofits. These grants are special because they come without restrictions, allowing organizations like Meals of Hope to use the funding where it’s most needed.
During the announcement, Golisano said, “I hope this unexpected funding helps them broaden their impact and strengthen their organizations so they can expand their services and those they serve.”
For Meals of Hope, this means they can provide more meals, grow their programs, and offer greater support to families facing food insecurity throughout Southwest Florida.
How Meals of Hope Plans to Use the Grant
More Mobile Pantries
Meals of Hope currently runs 15 mobile food pantries that provide thousands of families with weekly fresh groceries. With food costs rising and more people needing help, this grant will allow them to distribute more food, reach additional areas, and help ensure families in Southwest Florida have enough to eat.
Expanded Baby Pantries
Food insecurity particularly affects babies and young children. Meals of Hope recently grew its Baby Pantries program, which now helps over 300 babies and children every week by providing formula, baby food, diapers, and other essential supplies. The grant will allow them to help even more families with young children.
More Meal Packing Events
For over 15 years, Meals of Hope has organized volunteers to pack and distribute meals across the country. Working with corporate sponsors, community groups, and individual volunteers, they’ve packed more than 110 million meals. With this additional funding, they can organize more meal-packing events, involve more community members, and distribute more meals.
Stronger Partnerships
Meals of Hope works with local food banks, churches, and other nonprofits to keep food within the community. The flexibility of this grant will allow for more collaboration, strengthening the network of organizations fighting hunger in Southwest Florida.
The Value of Local Giving
Tom Golisano’s approach to philanthropy follows his belief that “The only wealth you get to keep is that which you give away.”
This grant represents more than just money—it’s help for thousands of families struggling with hunger, an opportunity to improve food relief efforts, and a reminder of how communities become stronger when people work together.
How You Can Help
While this grant will help Meals of Hope expand its work, addressing hunger requires ongoing support from individuals, businesses, and community groups. Here are ways you can contribute:
Host a Meal Packing Event – Gather people from your workplace, school, or community to pack nutritious meals for local families.
Sponsor a Program – Businesses and organizations can support specific initiatives like mobile pantries or Baby Pantries.
Donate – Financial contributions help Meals of Hope purchase and distribute essential food and supplies.
Volunteer – Help at a meal-packing event or assist at a mobile pantry.
Spread the Word – Share Meals of Hope’s mission with others to inspire more people to help.
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps provide food and support to those who need it.
Join the Effort to Address Hunger
This grant is important in expanding Meals of Hope’s work, but there’s still much to do. Hunger affects millions of people; together, we can make a meaningful difference.
Would you like to be part of addressing hunger in your community? Visit Meals of Hope to learn more about getting involved, donating, or hosting a meal-packing event.
Looking for ways to give back to the community without money or time constraints? Virtual volunteer opportunities are changing how we fight hunger. Maybe your schedule is packed, you live too far away, or traditional in-person volunteering just isn’t an option right now. The good news? Online volunteering and alternative support methods can make just as meaningful an impact with Meals of Hope – no physical presence required. Different forms of volunteering, such as digital advocacy, virtual fundraising, and corporate sponsorships, offer new ways to support the fight against hunger.
Speak Up: Your Voice Matters
Spreading awareness is one of the most accessible ways to support our mission. When you share Meals of Hope’s social media posts, you help reach people we might never connect with otherwise. Your network – friends, family, colleagues – all become potential supporters when they learn about our work through you.
Many people aren’t aware of the extent of food insecurity in their own communities. By starting conversations about local hunger statistics – at community gatherings, in workplace discussions, or online forums – you help build understanding that leads to action.
Advocacy creates meaningful change too. Contacting local representatives about hunger relief programs, school meal initiatives, or SNAP benefits can influence policies that help thousands of people access nutritious food. Your voice advocating for these programs makes a real difference in addressing food insecurity at a systemic level.
How Businesses Can Create Impact Without In-Person Volunteering
Businesses have multiple avenues to support hunger relief efforts without requiring staff to volunteer physically.
Corporate sponsorships provide essential funding that helps Meals of Hope purchase food in bulk at better prices than retail, coordinate distribution logistics, and get meals to more families efficiently. These partnerships directly translate into more meals for those in need.
Matching gift programs are powerful tools companies can implement. When businesses match employee donations, it encourages individual giving while doubling the impact of each contribution. This approach builds a culture of giving within organizations while significantly increasing support for hunger relief.
Companies might also consider event partnerships where they sponsor meal-packing events financially, even if their team members can’t participate in person. This type of support ensures events can continue providing vital meals to communities.
Digital Fundraising Opportunities
Modern technology has transformed fundraising, making it accessible to anyone who wants to help.
Online fundraising campaigns through social media platforms or dedicated fundraising sites allow supporters to rally their networks for donations. Whether it’s for a special occasion like a birthday or holiday, or simply because hunger relief matters to you, these campaigns can raise significant funds without requiring physical gatherings.
Virtual challenges represent another effective fundraising approach. Activities like read-a-thons, fitness challenges, or skill-based competitions can be organized online with participants seeking sponsorships or donations. These create community engagement while generating crucial support.
Workplace giving programs, such as payroll deductions, offer a sustainable way for employees to contribute regularly. Small amounts from each paycheck, when combined and continued over time, provide reliable support that helps Meals of Hope plan effectively for ongoing needs.
The Power of Monetary Donations
Direct financial contributions remain one of the most effective ways to support hunger relief efforts. When you donate to Meals of Hope, you provide the flexibility to address immediate needs in communities.
Financial donations help in numerous ways:
Supporting the purchase of nutritious food items for distribution
Enabling quick response when families face sudden crises
Helping maintain food delivery to seniors and those with limited mobility
Keeping pantry shelves stocked with balanced food options
Providing weekend meals for children who might otherwise go hungry when school meals aren’t available
Monthly recurring donations are particularly valuable as they allow for better planning and program sustainability. Knowing certain funds will be available helps Meals of Hope make informed decisions about food purchasing and program expansion.
In-Kind Donations That Make a Difference
While monetary contributions provide flexibility, specific food and supply donations help meet immediate community needs.
Food pantries consistently need items like:
Protein sources (peanut butter, canned tuna, beans)
Whole grains (pasta, rice, cereal)
Shelf-stable milk and juices
Canned fruits and vegetables
Essential non-food items are also crucial for many families:
Baby formula and diapers
Personal hygiene products
Household cleaning supplies
For those unable to deliver donations personally, alternatives exist. Consider ordering online with direct shipping to Meals of Hope facilities, or organizing neighborhood collections where items can be gathered with minimal contact before a single drop-off.
Contributing Professional Skills Remotely
Professional skills represent another valuable contribution that doesn’t require physical presence.
Graphic design expertise can help create compelling materials that effectively communicate our mission. Writing skills strengthen grant applications and outreach content. Marketing knowledge helps expand awareness to new audiences. IT support improves systems for tracking food distribution and managing resources.
These professional contributions often save significant expenses while improving operational efficiency, ultimately helping Meals of Hope serve more families in need.
Creative Ways to Support Hunger Relief
The most effective support often comes when people connect their unique interests and abilities to the cause of hunger relief.
Consider possibilities like:
Creating educational content about nutrition or food budgeting
Organizing virtual awareness events through online platforms
Developing classroom projects that teach students about food insecurity while raising support
Offering professional workshops with proceeds benefiting hunger relief
These approaches tap into individual strengths while advancing the mission of ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food.
Every Action Creates Broader Impact
Supporting Meals of Hope – in any form – creates ripple effects beyond the initial contribution. Your social media advocacy educates others about food insecurity. Your company’s support might inspire other businesses to get involved. Your online fundraiser raises both awareness and critical funds.
This multiplier effect transforms individual actions into community-wide impact, building momentum in the fight against hunger.
Join Us in Whatever Way Works for You
Everyone has something valuable to offer in addressing food insecurity. Your support – whether through awareness, advocacy, fundraising, donations, or skills – advances our mission to ensure families have access to nutritious food.
Ready to explore virtual volunteer opportunities and ways to give back without in-person volunteering? Find the approach that aligns with your interests, resources, and availability and Get Involved Today! Together, we’re making sure no one worries about where their next meal will come from – and there are many different forms of volunteering to help make that possible.
Food insecurity is a pressing issue in the community, and organizations like the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Meals of Hope and the Guadalupe Center are stepping up to help. They are making a difference for families, particularly single-parent homes with young children.
Samantha Gonzalez, a 14-year-old student, shared her story.
“I lost my father like a few years ago, so at a young age. So this does help my mom since she’s supporting me and my siblings,” said Gonzalez.
Organizations recognize the importance of supporting children beyond just their educational needs.
“It’s important to serve the whole child. And one of the things that we know is that if a child is going home and they are going home to food insecurity or housing challenges, that really makes receiving a good education a difficult thing,” said Kelly Krupp, VP of Philanthropy at the Guadalupe Center.
Gonzalez knows the struggle of food insecurity all too well, as she helped her mom pick up food.
“Yeah, because there’s I can’t help her with anything. So I’m still young, so I can’t,” said Gonzalez.
Families like Luz’s also benefit from these efforts. Luz expressed her concerns for her younger sister.
“I’m just worried a bit because it’s mainly for my sister. They’re still small, so they need this food to grow up. Well, us, we can kind of survive without it,” said Luz, an Immokalee resident.
For Gonzalez and Luz, the food they receive means one less worry and one less empty stomach.
“I love you, and thank you for everything you do and for being somebody I can rely on and look up to,” said Gonzalez.
These efforts provide a momentary reprieve, allowing teenagers like Gonzalez and Luz to focus on being kids.
Get involved with Meals of Hope by hosting a meal-packing event, volunteering, or making a donation. By participating, you become part of a community that provides food, hope, and the opportunity for a better future.
