During the National FFA Convention Expo in Indianapolis this week, the Incredible Egg announced the three winners of its first-ever Incredible! FFA Chapter Contest. The contest encouraged National FFA members to nominate their local chapters for a chance to win one of three grants – one for $2,000 and two for $1,500.
“With more than 500 entries to the Incredible! FFA Chapter Contest, selecting which of these amazing chapters would receive the three grants was a very difficult decision,” said Anne L. Alonzo, AEB’s President and CEO.
“Each entry we reviewed had incredible stories of leadership, unique educational programming and enthusiasm for enriching the agriculture industry. We are thrilled to be able to provide support for these chapters – they are all excellent examples of what FFA embodies. ”
This year’s recipients of the Incredible! FFA Chapter Contest grants are:
Grand Prize Winner: Cass City FFA (Michigan)
After losing their only local grocery store four years ago, the Cass City FFA chapter launched their “Meat”ing the Need for Our Village program, to raise livestock and poultry to support the local food pantry – and because of it, the food pantry has not needed to buy meat on their own for the last three years.
They’ve since added dairy to this program and with the grant money would like to begin providing eggs by starting a 100-hen laying flock.
Runner-up #1: Hope FFA (Indiana)
The Hope FFA chapter recognized how agriculture can have a positive and therapeutic impact, by creating a hands-on experience for preschoolers with developmental needs.
Each child was introduced to different livestock – from sheep to goats, ducks, calves, chickens, kittens and horses – and the positive reaction from each child was overwhelming to chapter members. They will use their grant money to continue to implement similar programs for other children.
Runner-up #2: Rio Rico FFA (Arizona)
The mission of the Rio Rico High School Agricultural Education Program is to improve the quality of life of the people of Santa Cruz County, Arizona through programs which provide fruits, vegetables and eggs to the community.
Working together with local social clubs, civic organizations, food banks and national hunger relief organizations, they are determined to wipe out malnutrition locally, and through this grant will secure more resources, such as a 100-hen laying coop, to provide for their community.
