“Bushels for Hunger” Grain Drive Kicks off 15th Year

The Bushels for Hunger program is kicking off its 15^th year of area farmers helping local families.  Farmers can donate bushels of grain at participating elevators from October 1, 2024 until January 31, 2025.  Proceeds from grain sales will benefit River Bend Food Bank and food pantries throughout the Quad City area.  Since 2010, area farmers have donated over $324,000 and provided over 1.6 million meals to those in need.

Mercer County farmer and Illinois Farm Bureau District 3 Director Jeff Kirwan is excited about the continued efforts of the campaign.  “Fifteen years after its start, the Bushels for Hunger campaign is as strong as ever.  Our local farmers continue to support the program and generously donate bushels of grain to help fight hunger in the Quad City communities,” Kirwan says.

“We are grateful for our farmers who continue to support the program,” said Jenna Preston, Manager of Mercer County Farm Bureau. “We have formed such a great partnership with River Bend Food Bank, our local grain elevators and ethanol plants, and our farmers to help fight food insecurities right here in our own communities.”

The Bushels for Hunger program is a joint program coordinated by the following three Illinois County Farm Bureaus: Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer in conjunction with the following area grain elevators and ethanol plants: Atkinson Grain, Big River Resources, Cargill, CHS, Gold Star FS, Hillsdale Elevator, and River Valley Cooperative.  For more information, contact your local County Farm Bureau.