Five Ways to Celebrate National Farmer’s Day

To celebrate National Farmer’s Day on October 12th, we’re saluting the farmers of today and tomorrow who work hard all year long to put farm-fresh food on our tables. This holiday is recognized every year in October because it’s considered the start of harvest season, which is the culmination of all the hard work farmers put into growing farm-fresh food throughout the spring and summer. At Bob Evans Restaurants, we have strong roots in the farming community thanks to our founder, Bob Evans, who started as a farmer, and have been proudly serving America’s Farm Fresh to our guests for over 70 years. We show appreciation for farmers every day, but it’s important to take a moment and celebrate them collectively on National Farmer’s Day.

One of the most under appreciated aspects of farming is cultivating lasting relationships, and this is something our founder, Bob Evans, worked hard to do from the very beginning. For example, W. Lowell "Buzz" Call, who is a long-time family friend and neighbor of Bob Evans, embodies the life of a hard-working American farmer and still grows hay on his land next to the original Bob Evans Farm in Rio Grande, Ohio. Buzz, as his friends call him, is just one example of the deep relationships that Bob formed in the community over the years.

Today, we pride ourselves on the strong relationships we have with our supplier partners who provide farm fresh ingredients for our restaurants. Whether it be the fourth-generation of farmers at Deer Creek Honey Farms who supply fresh honey that tops dishes like our Honey Butter Chicken & Biscuit or the family-owned Grimmway Farms who supplies us farm-fresh carrots. As the home of America’s Farm Fresh, we rely on the farmers of today for the ingredients in our signature breakfasts and family meals served at our restaurants. To support the farmers of tomorrow, we've partnered with the National FFA Organization to fund agricultural education opportunities.

Let’s talk about the many ways to celebrate National Farmer’s Day! While October 12th is recognized as the day, that doesn’t mean you’re held to a 24-hour celebration. Here are a few ways to celebrate National Farmer’s Day this month:

1. Thank a farmer

This is one of the best and easiest ways to celebrate the big day! Be sure to thank a farmer for all their hard work, dedication and grit keeping your favorite farm fresh foods stocked! Consider sending a card or sharing kind words with them in-person at the store or market.

2. Buy from a local farmer

While giving thanks to a farmer is important, purchasing crops from one can be one of the best ways to say thanks. Head to a local farmer’s market or join a local CSA (community supported agriculture) to get fresh produce, eggs or meat. October is also the perfect time to pay a visit to your local apple orchard or pumpkin patch to show support and score some seasonal goodies.

3. Enjoy farm-fresh food with your family

Plan a special family dinner night dedicated to appreciating the farm-fresh food on your table. Use the opportunity to share with your kids how food is grown, harvested and how it makes its way to your plate. Cook up some of the fresh produce you score from the market or order a Family Meal To-Go from Bob Evans.

4. Start a garden

Celebrating National Farmer’s Day from the comfort of your home is as easy as planting a few of your favorite vegetables or herbs. This may have it’s ups and downs, but the taste of growing your own food will make every hardship worth it! As the weather starts to cool, consider planting seasonal vegetables like pumpkins and squash, or plant some herbs in mason jars to keep inside. Here are a few home at-home gardening tips and ideas.

5. Support organizations like the FFA

Supporting the growth and education of the next generation farmers is important, and vital to ensuring our future food supply, which is why at Bob Evans Restaurants we support the National FFA Organization and continuing agricultural education in our schools. You can make a donation to FFA and read more about why agricultural education is so important.

Show us how you’re celebrating National Farmers Day by tagging @bobevans on Facebook or @bobevansfarms on Instagram or Twitter.