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Celebrating Our Farmers and Producers

On this National Agriculture Day, Feeding America takes a moment to honor the unwavering commitment of farmers, ranchers, and producers. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to provide food that sustains families across the country. This day serves as a reminder that our farmers are not just cultivators of food; they are essential partners in the fight against hunger.

Ami McReynolds, the Chief Advocacy & Community Partnerships Officer for Feeding America, articulates a shared desire: "At the end of the day, we all want the same thing for ourselves—to be able to put healthy meals on the table for our families. Supporting our nation’s farmers also means ensuring our community members facing hunger can access the fresh, nutritious meals they need to thrive."

The Vital Partnership Between Farmers and Food Banks

The collaboration between the agricultural sector and food banks forms a crucial lifeline for communities. Fresh fruits, proteins, and dairy products are among the most requested by families grappling with food insecurity. Remarkably, these items constitute around half of the total food distributed through Feeding America’s network of food banks and pantries. Insights from Feeding America's 2025 Elevating Voices Insights Report reveal that community members prioritize access to healthy, affordable food as critical for their family's well-being.

Unpacking the Impact

The influence of the agricultural community manifests in various crucial ways:

• - From Excess to Access: In 2025 alone, the Feeding America network collaborated with growers to rescue 971 million pounds of surplus fresh produce, guaranteeing that perfectly edible excess food reaches those in need.
• - Investing in Local Food Systems: Daily, local food producers work collaboratively with Feeding America members to distribute excess harvests to neighbors living with food shortages. These robust partnerships facilitate the movement of fresh, farm-sourced food within the Feeding America network, ensuring nutrition-secure meals reach the families who require them the most.
• - Advocating for Farm-Fresh Foods: Programs such as the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEAFP) serve as critical support mechanisms for both farmers and individuals experiencing hunger. By sourcing food directly from U.S. growers, the government bolsters agricultural livelihoods while supplying over 20% of the food distributed through Feeding America.

The Need for Support and Cooperation

Standing unwaveringly by our agricultural partners is paramount. A recent poll conducted by Feeding America indicates that 95% of voters acknowledge hunger as a nonpartisan issue, underscoring the need for unified solutions. As McReynolds aptly puts it, "Investing in our agricultural communities through reinforced farm aid and a robust Farm Bill is not just prudent for farmers; it's the most impactful strategy to assist the millions of neighbors struggling to secure adequate nourishment."

Take Action

As we express our gratitude toward our nation's farmers, we encourage you to engage with legislators, advocating for enhanced aid for farmers and support for a Farm Bill that ensures no family goes hungry. More information can be found by visiting feedingamericaaction.org.

About Feeding America

Feeding America operates under the guiding principle that every community member deserves access to food. As part of a vast network comprising over 250 food banks, 20 statewide food bank associations, 10 regional co-ops, and upwards of 60,000 agency partners, including food pantries and meal programs, we managed to provide 5.9 billion meals to millions of people in need over the past year. Together, through initiatives grounded in the voices of those facing hunger, we create pathways for a thriving future.