The 94th National FFA Convention & Expo features the first ever onsite National Days of Service event, which includes two projects for attendees to participate in.
During national convention, members will have the opportunity to build and paint 100 Little Free Pantries – which resemble tiny houses and are filled with donated non-perishable food items and hygiene products – to be placed around Indianapolis, Ind. In addition, convention attendees can write cards to go in meal boxes for Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana.
Michelle Sullivan, senior manager of local engagement for FFA, says despite the change in format, the event will still have an impact.
“Historically, we host National Days of Service out in the community, but because of the lingering effects of COVID-19, we have decided to move the service project indoors,” Sullivan said. “It’s the first time we’ve ever done it and we’re really excited to see what the outcome is going to be this year.”
Sullivan says addressing hunger is one of the challenges FFA is uniquely qualified to tackle.
“Hunger is a hidden need, and it happens everywhere,” Sullivan says. “Our organization consists of members who are ready to tackle big challenges. In an effort to help fight food insecurity, we are going to be placing these pantries in and around Indianapolis.”
With over 55,000 convention attendees, it’s important the National Days of Service had more than one project to maximize participation.
“The cards for Meals on Wheels provide an opportunity for everyone attending convention to make an impact on the Indianapolis community,” Sullivan says.
The onsite service projects at national convention are open to everyone in attendance, including advisors, alumni and sponsors.
“We want to make sure everybody has an opportunity to build a pantry while at convention,” Sullivan said. “We’ve also created a supplemental guide that actually walks people through exactly how to build a pantry, just like we’re doing on the Expo floor.”
Breanna Thompson, a junior from Warsaw FFA in Warsaw, Ind., says the Little Free Pantries, though little, will have big impact.
“It shows FFA members all the opportunities they have to help their community and make an impact, even if it’s just something small like this making a food pantry box to put around your own hometown or state,” Thompson says.
For more information about National Days of Service projects, visit FFA.org/National-Days-of-Service.
