Oakleaf FFA Reporter Kacey and Oakleaf FFA Student Advisor Aiden collect eggs.
The Oakleaf FFA Chapter in Orange Park, Fla., has found a way to make a difference in its community while also learning valuable skills. Its project, “From Coop to Community,” focuses on raising animals and using their products to help people in need.
The chapter has a large land lab and barn facility where students care for animals as part of their livestock show team. The team is divided into five groups — steers, pigs, dairy goats, rabbits and chickens — and joining one of these is not easy. Members must apply, get letters of recommendation and attend regular practices and meetings. This teaches them responsibility and teamwork while also providing real-life experiences.
Students organize collected eggs into a carton.
The chicken team has played a big role in the chapter’s efforts to help others. Each September, members receive laying hens from a local farmer. In addition to working with the chickens all year to prepare for poultry shows, the team also shares the work of cleaning the coop, feeding the chickens and collecting eggs. This helps them learn how to work together and care for animals.
In 2023, the chapter began donating food to their community. During the county fair, Vystar Credit Union bought Oakleaf’s chapter pig, which was raised by one of their members, and donated all the meat to a local nonprofit named The Father’s Heart. The nonprofit used the 140 pounds of pork to make meals for families in need. This event also raised $3,000 for the FFA chapter, instilling the idea to do more for its community.
Oakleaf FFA members donate their pork to The Father’s Heart.
Living to Serve
Later that summer, the chapter applied for a National FFA Living to Serve Grant to start an egg donation program. It received $1,200, which helped members expand the chicken coop, buy more chickens and cover feed costs for the year.
By waiving the usual $50 fee to join the chicken team, more members signed up to help. Additionally, the project also became part of their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), allowing them to gain hands-on skills with animals.
Members of the Oakleaf FFA poultry show team prepare to be judged.
By early 2024, the chickens were laying eggs. The chapter collected 218 dozen eggs by March and donated them to The Kitchen of Clay County, a local organization that helps families in need and prepares meals for those affected by disasters. Each week, a student delivers the eggs to the organization, making it easy to keep the donations going.
The chapter isn’t stopping with eggs. This winter, they plan to raise 20 broiler chickens to donate as Christmas dinners for local families. Their work has been supported by the Living to Serve Grant, Vystar Credit Union and other community partners.
Get Involved
Through this project, Oakleaf FFA members are learning, helping their community and showing how agriculture can make a difference. Their story is a great example of how members can combine education and service to create a positive impact locally.
Find inspiration and learn how to get more involved in your community here!
