Oct 20, 2015

#Thankful4Ag campaign takes aim at hunger in U.S.

Bayer CropScience is in the midst of its third annual #Thankful4Ag campaign, a national social initiative dedicated to helping feed families in need in the U.S. and educating consumers about how their food gets from field to fork. For the second year in a row, Bayer CropScience will work with Feeding America to help the 48 million Americans living in food insecure households. This year’s campaign will run from September 24 to October 31, coinciding with Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Entertainer of The Year Luke Bryan’s annual Farm Tour, sponsored by Bayer Corporation.

“As the son of a farmer, I believe it’s important for everyone to understand and appreciate how hard today’s farmers have to work to provide us with the meals that grace our tables each day,” Bryan said. “I’m excited that as a sponsor of the Farm Tour this year Bayer will have the opportunity to promote the #Thankful4Ag campaign to my fans, giving these farmers the celebration they deserve.”

#Thankful4Ag invites people to visit www.Thankful4Ag.com and take the “What type of farmer are you?” quiz to determine what kind of crop they were born to grow. Participants will find out if their calling is to be an Idaho potato grower, a South Georgia kale grower or one of 10 other crops and commodities growers who provide us with the fuel and fiber we need. Participants can also virtually meet a U.S. farmer, learning more about the grower’s daily life and the hard work he or she puts in to feed or clothe the nation. Each time someone takes the quiz and shares the results, or uses the hashtag #Thankful4Ag, Bayer CropScience will donate $1, or 11 meals to Feeding America, up to 330,000 meals.

“Today, one in seven Americans turns to Feeding America food pantries and meal service programs to help feed his or her family,” said Nancy Curby, vice president of corporate partnerships at Feeding America. “Our network of food banks serves more than 46 million people in the U.S. each year, and without our nation’s farmers’ support, our work would be impossible.”

For the first time ever, the #Thankful4Ag campaign is also traveling to eight cities across the U.S. with Luke Bryan’s seventh annual Farm Tour, sponsored by Bayer Corporation. Concert attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about why they should be #Thankful4Ag and who they should thank – the 3.2 million American farmers who feed, clothe and fuel us every day.

Bayer CropScience will also make a $2,000 donation to the local Feeding America food bank supporting the area along each stop of the tour.

“The #Thankful4Ag campaign is an important reminder to us all to take a moment to appreciate and celebrate the men and women in agriculture, all while helping to feed those in need,” said Jim Blome, president and CEO of Bayer CropScience LP.

In 2014, the #Thankful4Ag campaign donated 200,000 meals to hungry families across the country during the six-week campaign. This year, Bayer has increased its commitment by pledging to help provide 330,000 meals.