Missouri producers, agribusinesses, and rural youth unite at the State Fair to deliver essential food assistance to local families across all 114 counties.
At the 2026 Missouri State Fair, FCS Financial was proud to join agricultural leaders, Missouri FFA members, 4-H youth, and industry partners to celebrate another impactful year of the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation Drive to Feed Kids. Together, the Missouri agricultural community raised and packed 825,196 meals for Missouri children and families experiencing food insecurity.
With 1 in 5 children across the state facing hunger, fighting food insecurity is a priority that hits close to home for rural communities. Since its launch in 2017, the Drive to Feed Kids initiative has united producers, agribusinesses, and youth to deliver more than 14.5 million meals to local families across Missouri.
Missouri Ag Youth Take the Lead
As a longtime supporter of rural youth and agricultural education, FCS Financial is especially proud of the leading role Missouri’s young producers played in this year’s effort:
252,564 Meals Packed by FFA
More than 850 Missouri FFA members participated in the annual FFA Day of Service at the Missouri State Fairgrounds, packing meals and donating fresh produce grown through student ag projects.
250,271 Meals Raised by 4-H
Youth involved in 4-H Feeding Missouri mobilized local communities statewide to secure resources for regional food banks.
145,748 Meals via Community Matching Grants
4-H clubs, FFA chapters, and collegiate ag organizations leveraged matching grants from the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation to serve their local hometowns.
36,125 Pork Servings Donated
Swine exhibitors and producers donated high-quality pork through the Hogs for Hunger initiative, providing much-needed protein to food pantries.
53,231 Meals from Fairgoers
Visitors to the Missouri State Fair generously contributed non-perishable food items and funds during $2 Tuesday.
“The Drive to Feed Kids highlights what Missouri agriculture can accomplish when we work together. From farmers and ranchers to FFA and 4-H members, volunteers, businesses and community partners, thousands of people have united to help provide meals for Missouri children and families.”
— Ashley McCarty, Executive Director of Missouri Farmers Care
Standing Together for Rural Missouri
As a customer-owned cooperative, FCS Financial lives and works in the same communities as the families we serve. Supporting initiatives like Drive to Feed Kids reflects our core belief that Missouri agriculture is at its strongest when we work together to care for our neighbors.
All donations raised through the Drive to Feed Kids are distributed across the state through Feeding Missouri, an association of Missouri’s six regional food banks, ensuring the food reaches local families in need across all 114 counties.
💚 Thank You to Our Member-Owners & Partners
FCS Financial extends a sincere thank-you to all our member-owners, 4-H and FFA volunteers, and partner organizations who dedicated their time, resources, and energy to make this year's drive a resounding success.
Learn More & Stay Connected
Want to support future hunger relief efforts or join us at upcoming community events across Missouri?
