“Thank You Farmers” Project Surpasses $1.7 Million in Donations

With the global population expected to increase from 7.6 to 9.8 billion by 2050, the world needs to rise to the challenge of feeding 29% more people using the same amount of land and water that we have today.

“Those responsible for figuring out how to sustainably feed our growing population are likely currently sitting in classrooms, playing on playgrounds or yet to be born,” Culver’s said in a news release this week. “The bottom line: Our youth are our future. That’s why Culver’s Thank You Farmers Project was created, to make sure we have enough wholesome food to serve our growing population by supporting agricultural education programs that encourage smart farming.”

In 2017, the nearly 650 Culver’s restaurants in 24 states and the chain’s support center donated more than $400,000 to agricultural education initiatives in schools and organizations like the National FFA Organization, the company reported. This brings total contributions from the project to more than $1.7 million, to date.

Culver’s Thank You Farmers Project is entering its sixth year. The company says it is designed to “thank the people who have made Culver’s the success it is today: the American farmer.”

Of the total amount donated through Culver’s Thank You Farmers Project, approximately 75% has come from guests supporting local fundraising at Culver’s restaurants, the company said. It noted the additional donated dollars come from Culver’s sponsorship and funding of initiatives that benefit the National FFA Organization and Foundation, “which helps its more than 653,000 student members develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.”

“Whether it’s donating $1 on Scoops of Thanks Day, pledging support on our restaurant walls or dining with us on a fundraising day, every contribution—big or small—from our guests makes a difference,” said Jessie Kreke in the release. As Culver’s senior marketing manager, Kreke has seen firsthand how these donations have saved a high school ag program and brought tears of joy to the eyes of students who’ve received scholarships and can now afford to pursue a secondary education.

The company plans to continue to fundraise for initiatives and organizations like FFA that work toward solutions for feeding our growing population throughout 2018.

“To our guests who have supported the Thank You Farmers Project in the past and to those who will support it in the future: Thank you, from all of us at Culver’s,” Kreke said.