OXFORD – The Oxford chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) was recently awarded $2,500 to aid in its participation in the national FFA's Food For All program. The nationwide initiative regularly allocates grant money to local FFA chapters to support year round service-learning projects that address local hunger needs.

Looking ahead to 2015, the Oxford FFA will continue in the fight against food insecurity by offering processing equipment rental to community members that process their home raised poultry humanely, and safely.

According to Crystal Aukema, Advisor of the Oxford chapter, the Oxford FFA youth will also be raising poultry for processing. The organization will donate a portion of the poultry to the Taste & See Soup Kitchen located in Oxford. “The main goal for this project is to allow the community to become self-sufficient and fight hunger by providing the means to raise and process a valuable protein source,” said Aukema. Community members are encouraged to grow their own poultry and set a date to rent the equipment with the group.