On Wednesday November 6, Sterling FFA hosted Meals For The Heartland. Multiple schools including Dixon, Prophetstown, Oregon, Ashton-Franklin Center, as well as other clubs participated in the packaging of meals. A lot of preparation went into the event; FFA students first participated in this event at the Illinois FFA Convention over the summer, which then sparked an idea for the Sterling FFA to host a Meals for The Heartland event.

  Overall, over 90 students, staff, and parents helped package all of the meals. High School Counselor Cami Hartman spoke about the event and she had some positive things to say.

  Hartman stated, “My favorite part of the event was working together with the other adults and students to prepare the meals for those who need it. I’ve never attended an event like this before. It was unique to see the process from start to finish”.

  FFA officers had to set up all of the equipment, with the help of our event coordinator. It was a long process between setup, making the food bags, and cleaning up. A lot like the state convention event, Sterling FFA had to package 45,000 meals in the amount of two hours, which was enough for the people they had. 

  Chapter Treasurer Dani Slonneger stated, “I liked how many groups came together to work for a great cause.”

 The boxes full of meals help those who need it; world hunger is a detrimental problem that countries have, which is why FFA did this event.  

  The event was successful for being a first year event. Sterling FFA does things that will benefit everyone, and activities that give lessons to all and not just the members of the chapter. We hope to see this in the upcoming years throughout all the clubs at S.H.S.