Story and photos by Cortney Owens
For the 6th year, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences West Florida Research and Education Center joined forces with Feeding the Gulf Coast and Waterfront Rescue Mission to provide meal boxes for 1,000 families this past Thanksgiving.
More than 200 agriculture students spent 1 of their fall break days harvesting collards and turnips and bagging sweet potatoes for this year’s Farm to City event.
Students involved in agricultural programs from Northview High School, Beulah Academy FFA and 4-H, Tate High School, Beulah Middle School, Barrineau Park 4-H, Jay High School, Milton High School, Central School, and Boy Scout Troop 400 got their hands dirty for a wonderful cause.
This event would not have been possible without the support of sponsors such as Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC).
“We are so proud of these students for stepping up and being a part of such a wonderful event,” EREC CEO Ryan Campbell says. “This is a very unique and special experience for our community as it teaches students about the economic, environmental, and societal benefits of agriculture and, in turn, gives families fresh produce to put on their tables.”
Ag students didn’t mind sacrificing 1 of their days off for the cause. “I really was just glad to be spending the day outdoors with my friends,” says Chase Dooley, a Jay High School ninth grader and FFA member. “We filled a lot of bags with food, and I think we were all inspired to be ambassadors for future generations.”