Adams Land and Cattle’s “Food 4 Youth” challenge is winding down and will end on Wednesday, October 18. Donations will still be accepted at the Adams Land and Cattle office through the end of this week.
Liz Babcock, Director of Organizational Development & Communication at Adams Land and Cattle told KCNI/KBBN how Adams Land and Cattle got involved with the backpack programs.
“About five years ago, we started this program to support our local backpack programs and food pantries. Back years ago when Custer County Leadership had a group, they started a “Have a Heart” food bank challenge and so they had asked us to take it on. We spun it off after a few years into supporting more focused on the youth. And we found out about the backpack programs that schools do. And I think that is something that a lot of people aren’t aware of. One in eight kids in Nebraska go hungry every night.”
The backpack programs are run by the schools, and they like to place easy-to-cook foods and snacks in the children’s backpacks at night.
Babcock also talked about what Adam’s Mission is.
“Our mission at Adams is “Feeding the World” and we’re big that you can’t plan on feeding the world if you can’t make sure that the kids in the community here are fed.”
Last year, with the help of all the local businesses and people in the community graciously donating, Food 4 Youth was able to donate over 5,548 snacks and meals as well as over $3,600 in gift cards and monetary donations.
Babcock expressed great gratitude for everyone who is involved and has donated.
“I truly appreciate, on behalf of Adams, we appreciate all the businesses and organizations that really come together to support this. And all of the residents of Custer County that just make sure our local youth aren’t facing that hunger.”
There are 35 businesses that are participating. Businesses included are Anselmo/Merna Schools, Ansley Public School Student Council, Arrow Seed, Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce, Broken Bow Middle/High School, Bruning Bank, Central Nebraska Medical Clinic, Custer County Foundation, Custer County Historical Society, Custer Federal Bank, Dairy Queen, Evans Feed, Farm Credit Services of America, First Interstate Bank, Geared 4 Sports, Gibbons Electric, Grocery Kart, Insurance of the Heartland, KCNI/KBBN, KBear, Lillie Kate Boutique, Melham Medical Center, Muddy Creek Ag, Nebraska Integral Wellness, Nebraska Owners Insurance Agency, Nebraska State Bank, North Park Elementary, Pearson Physical Therapy, Precious Angels Daycare, Rice Veterinary Services, Sargent Highschool FBLA, Sargent Irrigation/Drilling/Pipe, State Farm agent Donna Cahill, Team Physical Therapy, and Thomas Livestock.
