At 9:35 a.m. in the morning of March 2, cramped into a less-than-adequately-heated room used to load in and out famous bands and musicians that have graced the stage of the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 144 high school students came together with two things in common — they were all members of the National FFA Organization, and they all cared about those in need of food.

Folding tables were pushed end to end and covered with white paper held in place by scales, empty plastic bags, blending funnels, and other items that would be used to package non-perishable food for the Memphis Food Bank and their partnering agencies across the Mid-South. “We provide the equivalent of 36,000 meals per day to supplement families who rely on government programs or have meager grocery budgets,” explains Andrew Bell, marketing manager, Mid-South Food Bank. “We serve 31 counties across the Mid-South.”

As the morning progressed, frequent screams of “Box!” could be heard every few seconds — signifying another cardboard box packed with non-perishable food had been sealed and labeled. “It’s exciting and fun,” says Preston Cline, president of the Brighton, Tenn., FFA Chapter. “When I rang that bell, it meant the team at my table was doing their part to collectively help fight hunger, and that’s an amazing feeling.”

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As she has done for umpteen years, Amanda Bell kept a watchful eye on the volunteer FFA students as they progressed through the morning. Bell has volunteered to be the boot-on-the-ground driving force behind the Farm & Gin Show’s “Farm Show Feed” event since its inception. In 2018, nearly 50,000 meals were packaged and shipped to the Memphis Food Bank so they could be directed to food-deprived areas around the region.

Tim Price, executive director, Southern Cotton Ginners Association (SCGA), understands the impact the once-a-year event has all year long. “It could be difficult for some folks to understand why an event like this is so important, but this effort literally places food in the hands of people in areas across the Mid-South characterized as ‘food deserts’,” says Price. “Amanda has boundless energy, and an on-going caring attitude that brings her back each year. She is one amazing young lady.”

Food deserts are defined as parts of the country where people live but do not have access to fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthy whole foods. These areas exist due to the lack of grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or healthy food providers.

The Food Bank was established in 1981 and is a member of “Feeding America”, a national network of food banks. “Our mission is to change lives by eliminating hunger in the Mid-South,” adds Andrew Bell. “We do it in large part through volunteers like these FFA Chapter members who donate their time and energy to make a big difference in people’s lives.”

According to Estella H. Mayhue-Greer, president & CEO of the Memphis Food Bank, the food insecurity rate for Mid-South residents remains at almost 20 percent. “One-third of that 20 percent are children who are food insecure,” says Mayhue-Greer. “The food insecurity rate among seniors has also increased.”

Back in the late 80s, the FFA changed its name to the National FFA Organization to more appropriately reflect the growing diversity and expanding opportunities presented to its members both inside and outside of agriculture. “I believe this name change has made the organization stronger and more open to young adults who might be searching for a career — whether that search leads them toward agriculture or some other non-ag-related field,” says Amanda Bell.

As the last box was taped and stacked on a pallet, every person in the room took pride in their effort and what they accomplished — a new record, 51,000 packaged boxes filled with food items that will provide sustenance to Mid-Southerners who may not know from where their next meal will come.

A special thanks is extended to all FFA Chapter members, advisors, and chaperones for their time, their continued support, and enthusiasm to surpass the previous year’s record. “They are the sole reason this event provides the largest donation to the Outreach Program each year,” adds Bell. “I commend Jessica Pruitt for her support, and organizational assistance. I also would like to thank Tim Price, Andrea Steadman, Alan Waxman, and Emily Hobbs for their dedication too.”

If you would like to play a role in the annual Farm Show Feeds event, contact the Southern Cotton Ginners Association office at 901-947-3104. To volunteer your time for the Memphis Food Bank, logon to: http://www.midsouthfoodbank.org/volunteer.

The Mid-South Food Bank is located at 239 South Dudley, Memphis, Tenn., 38014. Their telephone number is (901) 527-0841.