Young farmers donate 10 million pounds of food

Young farmers and ranchers from the north state and throughout California led the nation last year by donating more than 10 million pounds of food to families as part of the Harvest for All program.

From the California Farm Bureau Federation:

Throughout the year, regional Young Farmers and Ranchers organizations in California participated in gleaning and collection activities, sometimes following harvest crews through fields to gather fresh fruits and vegetables to be donated to Harvest for All. The food, supplied by farms, ranches, processors and packinghouses, arrived at food banks for distribution to families in need.

"With one in six Americans currently living with food insecurity, the Harvest for All program is more important than ever," said Danielle Oliver, California Farm Bureau Federation director of leadership development. "We're proud of the part young farmers and ranchers have taken through these donations to help hunger-relief efforts."

Since the Harvest for All program was formally launched in 2003 as a partnership between the American Farm Bureau Federation and Feeding America, more than 83 million meals have been served. Farmers and ranchers also donate money and volunteer hours to the program.