Staff Report / January 22, 2026
Penn Yan FFA members are taking action to combat food insecurity by partnering with Meals of Hope to package 10,000 meals for distribution to local food pantries across the region.
The meal-packing effort will take place in February during the District VIII FFA Leadership Development Event competition. In addition to Penn Yan students, FFA members and advisors from throughout District VIII are expected to participate, turning the leadership event into a large-scale community service initiative.
Organizers say the project not only addresses a critical community need but also reinforces the FFA mission of leadership, service, and agricultural education. Once packaged, the meals will be delivered to food pantries serving families in the Finger Lakes and surrounding areas.
Community support is a key component of the project’s success. Donations of any amount will directly support meal production, with $10 providing approximately 40 meals. Contributors at the $450 Gold Level will receive recognition in event advertising, placement on the meal-packing grid, and labels on meal packages acknowledging their support.
Donations can be made online through the Meals of Hope campaign or by mail. Checks should be made payable to PYCSD and sent to Penn Yan FFA, 305 Court Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527.
Organizers are encouraging donations by January 30 to ensure all 10,000 meals can be packed and distributed as planned.
