Media Alert - Farm Progress Show and Monsanto Team to Stock Foodshelves
Click to view this email in a browser [http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/208859/1f87c2f3bc/375000949/035331a780/] www.FarmProgressShow.com [http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FarmProgress/1f87c2f3bc/035331a780/cf81c55654] [http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FarmProgress/1f87c2f3bc/035331a780/ef96f73f92] *************************************************** For Immediate Release July 22, 2009 *************************************************** *************************************************** Farm Progress Show and Monsanto help fight hunger *************************************************** Farm Progress Show and Monsanto have joined forces to help stock and fund show-area food shelves. When it comes to feeding the world, no one understands this task better than U.S. farmers. Despite agricultural advancements, many folks are feeling the effects of the economic recession in the pit of their stomachs. That's why Farm Progress and Monsanto have teamed up to help feed Central Illinois' hungry with the Genuity Food Drive held in conjunction with this year's Farm Progress Show, Sept. 1-3, in Decatur, Ill. As part of the program, Farm Progress Show attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the show. Each gate will have a food drop-off container. For every pound of food donated, Monsanto will match it with a $1 cash contribution to the United Way of Decatur. Donations stay local Denise Smith, executive director for the United Way of Decatur, says 100% of the food and cash donations will help feed local residents. The United Way is working with Decatur's Catholic Charities, Salvation Army and the Northeast Community Fund to distribute the food. According to Smith, the timing couldn't be better. This year, the Decatur Catholic Charities witnessed a 48% increase in food needs over last year. Thus far, the charity has helped more than 2,100 families who have never used the pantry before. If the recession wasn't bad enough, Smith says many charities have watched as state legislators cut their funding in the latest budget session. "September will be perfect timing," Smith notes. "Many charities are already seeing the effects of budget cuts about then." In addition, early fall is rough on pantries as they attempt to make it to the holiday season. Gather up some cans Prior to the show, Monsanto is promoting the food drive with donation bags, which will be inserted in local newspapers across Central Illinois. For those who forget to bring food to the show, Monsanto will have food available at their tent. For a cash donation, Monsanto will move food into the "donated" pile. As for the $1 match, Smith says it will go toward purchasing perishable food items for local pantries. Monsanto will match up to $20,000. "Monsanto and the Genuity brand are extremely proud to partner with local farmers to help the Decatur community," notes Mike Stern, Monsanto U.S. Seeds and Traits Lead. "This food drive is a great way to bring awareness to how farmers are helping feed their local communities as well as meeting the global demands of feeding the world." Don Tourte, Farm Progress director of sales and national events, says an event like this is a great way to further strengthen the bond between Farm Progress and the local community. "We are excited to be a part of this food drive," Tourte adds. "It is an excellent opportunity to give something back to the community that is our home for the Farm Progress Show every other year." Decatur-area charities typically have a tough time stocking food pantries in early fall. With the Genuity Food Drive, Chad Clevenger, Decatur United Way, and Robin Murray, Decatur Catholic Charities, expect to be able to meet local needs this September. The 2009 Farm Progress Show is located in west Decatur, south of I-72 and west of Richland Community College. The show runs September 1 - 3, from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and until 4 p.m. Thursday. Admission at the gate is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 13 to 17. Adult discounts are available onsite. Advance tickets are available online. The public is welcome. For additional information, visit www.FarmProgressShow.com [http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FarmProgress/1f87c2f3bc/035331a780/ccc5485e09] . -30- About Farm Progress Show 2009 marks the 56th annual Farm Progress Show, the nation's largest outdoor farm event. The show is held annually and rotates between permanent biennial sites in Decatur, Ill. and Boone, Iowa. The 2009 show will be held west of Decatur, Sept. 1 - 3. Exhibitors include nation's and world's largest agricultural suppliers and all sizes and types of national and regional agricultural suppliers. Farmers and ranchers from across the U.S. and around the world attend the show. The show is owned and operated by Farm Progress Companies. Please visit www.FarmProgressShow.com for more information. ***************************************************** Please reserve Wednesday, August 26, 2009 10:00 a.m. for the Farm Progress Show - Media Day Held at Decatur, Ill. show site •Hosted tour of the 2009 show •Media kits and passes for show admission •Catered luncheon at show site Please register online: http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FarmProgress/1f87c2f3bc/035331a780/8dcf9fe244 Click on Media Resources button to register *************************************************** FARM PROGRESS COMPANIES | 255 38th Avenue, Suite P St. Charles, IL 60174-5410 | 630/462-2230 [http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FarmProgress/1f87c2f3bc/035331a780/cfadf8225b] www.FarmProgress.com ______________________________________________________________________ You are receiving this e-mail because you are registered with Bacon's/Cision Media, Farm Progress Show, Husker Harvest Days, and/or Farm Progress Hay Expo to receive news releases and you are an important information resource for your audience. 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