December 10th 2001
US Durum Growers Association

North Dakota Students to Deliver 17-Tons of Macaroni to New York City Agricultural Community Works to Ease Hunger

Bismarck, N.D.-Macaroni and cheese, a favorite comfort food for many Americans, will bring some relief to the hungry of New York City. Nine high school students from Crosby, N.D., are traveling across the nation to deliver more than 76,000 boxes of the food to City Harvest in Manhattan.

Being involved in community service is a natural fit for these young people, who are members of the Divide County FFA Chapter.

City Harvest, a non-profit organization founded in 1981, is the largest and oldest food rescue program in the world. Agencies City Harvest assists have reported a 30 percent average increase in customers needing their services since September 11, 2001.

The donation, which amounts to more than 200,000 helpings of macaroni and cheese, was a major project for the local agricultural community. The idea sprung from a meeting of the U.S. Durum Growers Association, a group representing producers of durum wheat. Bruce Lewallen, president of the association, said members wanted to demonstrate that durum farmers care about their East Coast neighbors. Dakota Growers Pasta Company agreed to process the product and the effort gained momentum, as well as additional sponsors, quickly. Donors even designed unique packaging for the macaroni, complete with an American flag and a message of support. Other donors (MDU, ND Wheat Commission, and ND Farm Bureau) provided funding to help send the students to New York.

Now the nine high school students, ranging in ages from 15 to 17, have the honor of making the trip to deliver the macaroni and cheese to City Harvest on behalf of the donors. "This will be a tremendous learning experience on many levels," says Butch Haugland, chapter advisor, "It will be extremely satisfying for the students to actually witness the positive impact these agriculturalists have made." Haugland says the young people realize this donation is small in comparison to the need. All who made the contribution possible hope people will continue to support those who depend on the generosity of others.

For more information about City Harvest, visit http://www.cityharvest.org.