Nearly 15 percent of households in Illinois face food insecurity, which amounts to an estimated two million people, according to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization. In Macon County alone, more than 16,500 people struggle to find food. Families in these farming communities are often busy helping to feed the world, but do not have access to enough food to sustain a healthy lifestyle for themselves. Thanks to the upcoming America’s Farmers Food Drive, rural households across the state of Illinois will soon see food on their own tables.

The fifth annual America’s Farmers Food Drive, sponsored by Monsanto in conjunction with Farm Progress and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation (HGBF), will take place at the Farm Progress Show, Aug. 27-29 in Decatur, Ill.

All FFA chapters and 4-H clubs in Illinois are invited to participate in the America’s Farmers Food Drive. Food collected will benefit the communities of those who donate. Students who donate food at collection centers located at entrance gates one, seven and nine will receive free entry to the Farm Progress Show. The top three FFA chapters and top three 4-H clubs that donate the highest amount of food, in pounds, will be awarded $250.

Additionally, for every pound of food collected, Monsanto will donate $1 (up to $10,000) to United Way of Decatur and Mid- Illinois, and the HGBF will donate $1 (up to $10,000) to Feeding America.