York Public Schools Ag teacher Jason Hirschfeld spoke at the Hope Sojourn for the Heartland Event, explaining how the York FFA program can help with food issues – Heartlandbeat photo
How is it that right here in the heart of what is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the country, there are folks experiencing hunger? This and many other questions were addressed at the Hope Sojourn for the Heartland event Wednesday evening at the Wessels Living History Farm. The event was hosted by GrazeMaster Group and led by founder Kerry Hoffschnieder, who brought together diverse speakers to address food insecurity and its connection to agriculture.
Hoffschneider challenged those attending to look around Nebraska as they drive and see how much of what is growing doesn’t end up on the table. She pointed out how much of it is in our fuel tanks as ethanol and asked if only half an acre of every farm should be growing food.
Blue Valley Community Action Family and Community Services coordinator Jennifer Harre presented alarming statistics revealing the high number of people in York County who need food assistance. She reported that BVCA assisted 1,700 people in York County this past year, but that is only the number they track. There are more who are struggling quietly, she said.
“Right here in York County, at least 10-12% of the county’s residents need assistance with food. These are often not just the unemployed but also working households, seniors on a fixed income, and those with limited transportation. When Walmart was closed recently due to a fire for three days, we were struggling to fill our pantry because these people couldn’t afford to shop at other places,” said Harre.
Jason Hirschfeld, the York Public School agriculture teacher, spoke about what they are doing to address food access issues. He explained that they have purchased the former Pioneer facility and plan to complete an Agri-Science Center. “We will be able to raise livestock, chickens, and rabbits. After the kids show these animals at the fair, they will be donated to the Blue Valley food pantry,” said Hirschfeld.
The younger generation was on hand with three York FFA Difference Makers sharing about how they are taking action to help feed those in need. They became aware of food insecurity in York County after visiting BVCA and also touring the Center for People in Lincoln, Nebraska. “We want to help. We have some long-term ideas, but immediately we know we can start by growing fruits and vegetables in our school greenhouses to donate to the pantry,” said Melah Stodieck.
York FFA members speaking about what they have learned about food insecurity and their plans to help in York County – from L to R: Taytum Methe, Makayla Snider, and Melah Stodieck – Heartlandbeat photo
Other speakers included Vance McCoy, a 5th-generation farmer from Perkins County who runs Triple Creek Cover Crops. He shared how his farming practices and mindset changed over the years as he began to notice soil damage and lower water levels. “I started looking for ways to reduce our inputs and improve the soil quality so it didn’t need as much water.”
He uses his farm as a model to experiment with growing alternative crops. “We consult with producers about how they can be profitable and make a living while making changes that benefit the soil and water levels.”
Nate Belcher from Hybrid 85 shared his journey into the ag world and his passion to address how to make food more nutritionally dense. “We are at a transformational time right now because of the technological advances; food can become our medicine, and good quality food can be raised right, utilizing good soil,” said Belcher.
Former Husker volleyball player Lindsey Licht, who works at the Center for People in Lincoln as their Strengths Coach and Work Readiness Manager, shared her insights about integrating material support with food education. “We don’t try to fix folks but uplift them. This is not a charity or quick fix but a community strategy that will create pathways for those in need,” she said.
Lindsey Licht presented information about the Center for People, where she works in Lincoln, Nebraska, inviting anyone to stop by for a tour to see firsthand their food and education programs – Heartlandbeat photo
Hoffschnieder concluded the event by discussing the need to connect current food issues with what’s happening in agriculture and how it can become part of the solution.
