From making vital improvements in animal care to achieving GreenCircle Zero Waste to Landfill certification for its Washington, Indiana, plant, we know Perdue Farms is all about making an impact. The company’s latest admirable efforts include its continued support for the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization’s Give the Gift of Blue Program, providing a $20,000 grant through the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation.
"FFA is an important organization for the future of agriculture and the next generation of farmers in this country," said Kim Nechay, Executive Director of the Perdue Foundation. "The iconic blue jackets are a point of pride for FFA members. We are proud to provide funding to enable youth who cannot afford the jacket the opportunity to participate in a unique tradition."
This generous contribution is part of the company's Delivering Hope to Our Neighbors® outreach, which is focused on improving quality of life and building strong communities, a press release stated.
"We are the largest school-based youth organization in the country with over 850,000 members across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands," said Molly Ball, President of the National FFA Foundation and Chief Marketing Officer of the National FFA Organization. "Through the support of our donors, the Give the Gift of Blue Program provides an FFA jacket and scarf or tie to FFA members who otherwise could not afford one of their own. In the past, Perdue has impacted over 350 students with their generous support."
The FFA blue jacket has been part of the organization since 1933, generating pride in those who wear it and highlighting the state and local chapters they represent. As the release noted, FFA members are required to wear official dress, which includes an FFA jacket and scarf or tie, to participate in competitions and attend the National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.
"The National FFA Give the Gift of Blue Program is funded by corporations, individual donors and foundations, and we are grateful for their continued support," Ball added. "We always strive to make this program the most impactful, for the most students, as possible. To date, more than 15,000 FFA members have been gifted an FFA jacket thanks to donors like Perdue Farms and the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation."
Shout out to Perdue Farms for uplifting the future of the ag industry with this investment!