F

The Barton Springs Food City hosted the Hamblen County Farm Bureau Women as they celebrated National Ag Day on Tuesday, March 24 by giving back to the community.

Through “Farm Bureau Gives Back,” they sponsored five local charities to a day of shopping for agriculture products that benefit their respective agency.

The non-profits that were selected were the Ministerial Association Temporary Shelter (MATS), ALPS Adult Day Services, the Hamblen County Isaiah 117 House and the food pantries at Morristown East and West high schools.

More than 3,761 people will benefit from this special promotion and $2,000 was allowed to purchase food/meals for these organizations. This event was held at the Food City on Barton Springs Road. The store also provided additional funds for the agencies to use on this special day.

National Ag Day was established to celebrate the less than 2% of the population who provide food, fiber and fuel to all of us. Agriculture is no doubt the country’s most important industry and National Ag Day is a chance to recognize and show appreciation for all farmers do.

American agriculture is the foundation of the country. It’s the backbone of a healthy and prosperous nation, made possible by the hard work of America’s farms and farm families. These individuals have been essential since the very beginning, and just like everyone, the past few years have presented many challenges, but thankfully, farmers have continued steadfastly toward ensuring we have food on our tables and clothes on our backs.

That’s why, this year especially, National Ag Day was celebrated as a chance to honor those who deserve to be praised every day for what they do.