The Neighbor to Neighbor statewide food drive kicked off Kansas Agriculture Month on March 2, in support of our neighbors in need and to reduce hunger in Kansas communities. Harvesters–The Community Food Bank in Topeka hosted state leaders, including Governor Sam Brownback, representatives of the food banks of Kansas, Dillons Food Stores employees and members of the Kansas agriculture community.
The food drive is a collaborative effort by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Dillons Food Stores, Harvesters–The Community Food Network, Kansas Food Bank, Second Harvest Community Food Bank and the Kansas agriculture community. The goal is to raise 75,000 meals for Kansas families during the food drive throughout the month of March. Kansans can contribute to the campaign at Dillons Food Stores statewide, at other community locations across the state or through the virtual donation portal, http://ksn2n.harvestersvfd.org.
Governor Brownback signed a proclamation declaring March as Kansas Agriculture Month and March 15, as Kansas Agriculture Day. He also stressed the importance of serving our neighbors in need as well as educating all Kansans about how the food they eat transitions from farm to fork.
“Kansans have always pitched in to help their neighbors,” said the Governor. “This is a strong partnership built on our heritage of helping our fellow Kansans and supporting our local communities.”
Governor Brownback recognized the value of agriculture to the state of Kansas and thanked the food banks for their service to our state.  Staff from the three food banks, representatives from Dillons Food Stores, Kansas FFA officers and representatives from the Kansas Department of Agriculture and other state agencies and agriculture organizations then joined together to pack boxes of food to be distributed to Kansans in need.
“At Dillons, our number one community priority is to help bring food and hope to those living with less,” said Sheila Lowrie, Dillons Stores spokeswoman. “That’s what makes the Neighbor to Neighbor Kansas Food Campaign especially meaningful for us. We are proud to continue this commitment with the wonderful support of our local food banks and the generosity of our Dillons customers and associates throughout our stores in Kansas.”    
Dillons Food Stores made an initial donation of 6,500 pounds of non-perishable food items at the kickoff event.
To learn more about the Neighbor to Neighbor statewide food drive and ways to participate in Kansas Agriculture Month, visit  www.agriculture.ks.gov/ksagday.