Give enthusiastic FFA members some hairnets, food, packing materials and a few instructions and they’ll use these to create positive, lasting change in the lives of others — and have fun while doing it.
In June 2023, South Carolina FFA members and state officers collaborated to package 37,404 meals for those in need.
This was the case for Charlotte Burns, one of the FFA members who helped package 37,404 meals during the 2023 South Carolina FFA State Convention.
“It instilled a sense of respect for how important it is to do all I can to help others,” she says.
For some members, including 2022-23 South Carolina FFA State President Drake Ariail, being involved in this event enabled him to experience a sense of community and camaraderie.
“It was beautiful, and it demonstrated the brotherhood and sisterhood members can find within FFA,” he says. “Not only were we working toward a common goal we all love, but I got to watch many members meet new people.”
On a similar note, in South Dakota, Centerville FFA member Charleigh Walters was amazed by the number of people who participated in her state’s Living to Serve event. Although she says many of the members didn’t know each other beforehand, they worked together to package 50,185 meals during the 2023 South Dakota State FFA Convention.
“It was eye-opening,” Walters says. “To me, ‘Living to Serve’ means you not only serve the people around you, but others from far away as well. It doesn’t matter who or what — you just help whenever or wherever you can.”
Both events were made possible by a Living to Serve Grant provided by National FFA. These grants, which are awarded annually, can be used to support yearlong and/or semester-long service-learning projects. Opportunities also exist to apply for a Day of Service Mini-Grant or State Day of Service Grants, both of which sponsor one-time service events.
From Burns’ and Ariail’s perspectives, living a life marked by service doesn’t just mean participating in large-scale events; it also includes capitalizing on daily interactions.
“To me, it’s taking every chance you can to show up and be there for someone by helping them out whenever you can,” Burns adds.
Act Today
“Living to Serve” empowers FFA members to make their communities, states, nation and world a better place. Visit FFA.org/LivingToServe to explore types of service projects, apply for a Living to Serve Grant or register for a National Day of Service event near you.
