Five Easy Ways to Support the Future of Farming

Over 70 years ago, Bob Evans opened his first restaurant in the front yard of his farm in Rio Grande, Ohio, and received tremendous support from his local community, which helped him achieve his dreams. Even decades later, the values he had and the relationships he formed are still the backbone of what our business is today. This path that our founder, Bob, paved Down on the Farm® still inspires us to cultivate lasting relationships, serve farm-fresh food, respect the land around us and give back to our communities.

As the home of America's Farm Fresh, we understand the importance of our nation's farming community and the vital role it plays in our business and our daily lives. At Bob Evans Restaurants, we always find ways to celebrate, support, and thank local farmers—after all, we couldn’t serve you farm-fresh food without them! It’s important for all of us to support the farming community in various ways to ensure the future of our food supply. To help you get involved, we’re sharing five easy ways you can support the future of farming!

1. Participate in local fundraisers

Search for local fundraisers in your area that support local farms or organizations that provide agricultural education to students. A fundraising opportunity that is coming up is our second annual “Egg Crack, Give Back” fundraiser. On Thursday, February 24, 2022 for every Farmer’s Choice Breakfast sold* that day, we will make a $1 donation to the National FFA Organization up to $15,000** to fund Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Grants for high school students who are pursuing careers in agriculture. This fundraiser is part of our ongoing partnership with FFA and aligns with “Give FFA Day", a 24-hour fundraising campaign held during National FFA Week. You can help support the future of farming by simply ordering breakfast!

2. Purchase produce and other goods from local farmers

It’s important to continue to support local farms and businesses all year long, not just during the holiday season! You can easily support the farmers in your area by purchasing fresh produce or other goods directly from their farms or stands at a farmer’s market! Depending on the season, the farms in your area may be hosting different events or participating in indoor farmer's markets. If you’re looking for ways to get involved, you can join a local CSA (community supported agriculture) group to find fresh produce, eggs or meat— trust us, food tastes better when it’s farm-fresh!

3. Purchase produce and other goods from local farmers

Did you get delicious apples from a local u-pick farm or find the cutest succulent at a local plant shop? Now that you’ve made your purchase, another easy way to continue to support the farmer is by spreading the word with your friends and family. Sharing your positive experience with a few close friends or posting on social media can go a long way for any farm or small business. Not only does this build awareness and excitement, but it also helps establish relationship-building between the farmers and the community in your area.

4. Donate to agricultural education organizations

Looking for ways to support beyond your local community? One way to get involved and support future generations of farmers from the comfort of your home is by supporting agricultural education organizations—much like our longtime partners at the National FFA Organization. This February, they will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of National FFA Week from February 19-26th with numerous ways to support! You can make a donation to FFA to support high school students who are aspiring farmers and read more about why agricultural education is so important.

5. Volunteer at local farms

Taking care of a farm takes a lot of work, especially during busy harvest seasons. Consider volunteering your time and lend a helping hand to a local farmer. This is also a great way to spend time outdoors and even learn new skills. An easy way to find some of these opportunities is to chat with farmers at your local farmer's markets!

Show us how you’re supporting the future of farming by tagging @bobevans on Facebook or @bobevansfarms on Instagram or Twitter.

*Disclaimer: Available in all states where Bob Evans Restaurants is located except for North Carolina and New Jersey.

**Disclaimer: Up to a maximum $15,000 will go to the National FFA Organization to support the National FFA and future SAE grants. Purchase is not tax deductible as a charitable contribution as the customer will receive goods or services equivalent to the purchase price for each item purchased.