By Jamie Martin
The John Deere Foundation is expanding its commitment to food security with the launch of an $18.5 million Farm-to-Plate strategy that will help strengthen connections between farmers, food banks, and communities throughout the United States.
The program is designed to improve how food moves from farms to families while also creating opportunities for producers to participate more directly in hunger-relief efforts. The initiative combines support for food recovery, food distribution, and community engagement programs in a coordinated effort to address growing food security challenges.
The Foundation's investment includes a $17 million commitment to Feeding America and a $1.5 million partnership with The Farmlink Project. These organizations will work together with farmers and community groups to increase access to nutritious food and strengthen local food systems.
"Through our Farm-to-Plate strategy, we're excited to build on John Deere's decades-long support of food banks while helping farmers play an even bigger role in addressing hunger," said Deanna Kovar, President, Worldwide Ag & Turf Division for Production and Precision Ag at John Deere. "Farmers have a long tradition of supporting their communities. By connecting them directly with food banks, we're creating new opportunities for producers and helping more families access nutritious food closer to home."
One of the primary goals is to expand farmer participation in food donations and food bank programs. A new Farm to Food Bank initiative in Iowa is expected to connect more than 100 farmers with regional food banks. The project will help producers build stronger local partnerships while ensuring that fresher, locally grown food reaches families in need.
Funding through Feeding America will also help strengthen national food sourcing and distribution efforts. Resources will support food banks and partner organizations as they work to improve storage, transportation, and delivery systems. Stronger infrastructure can help food reach communities more efficiently and reduce barriers within the food supply chain.
Employee engagement represents another major component of the strategy. Thousands of John Deere employees are expected to participate in volunteer activities focused on meal packing and hunger relief. By 2029, these efforts are projected to generate approximately 1.8 million meals through volunteer-supported events.
The Farmlink Project partnership focuses on recovering surplus food produced on farms. Food that might otherwise go unused due to market changes or logistical challenges can be redirected to food banks and community organizations serving people experiencing food insecurity.
According to project estimates, the partnership could recover 6.4 million pounds of fresh produce over three years. The effort is expected to provide the equivalent of 5.3 million meals and improve food access for more than 273,000 individuals. In addition, dozens of farming operations across multiple states are expected to benefit from participation in the program.
Agriculture plays a critical role in addressing food insecurity. Farmers produce large quantities of nutritious food, but getting that food to people who need it often requires effective partnerships and distribution networks. Initiatives that strengthen connections among growers, food banks, and nonprofits can improve efficiency while reducing food waste.
"America grows a lot of good food, and farmers know their communities. Our job is to make sure more of that food can reach neighbors who need it," said Denis McDonough, CEO of Feeding America. "John Deere's investment will help food banks build stronger, more direct relationships with farmers in Iowa and across the country, while strengthening the systems that move fresh food where it can do the best. That is the kind of partnership this moment requires."
The Farm-to-Plate strategy reflects a broader approach that combines food recovery, producer engagement, and community support. Rather than focusing on a single issue, the initiative aims to strengthen multiple parts of the food system at once.
"Too much of America's fresh food still never leaves the farm," said Eliza Blank, CEO of The Farmlink Project. "With this grant from John Deere, The Farmlink Project can continue building a more resilient supply chain that keeps good food in circulation, supports farmers when markets fail, and ensures millions of pounds of fresh produce reach people instead of landfills."
For the John Deere Foundation, the investment continues with a long-standing commitment to helping communities thrive. By supporting food access, reducing waste, and encouraging collaboration across agriculture and charitable organizations, the Foundation hopes to create lasting benefits for farmers, families, and communities throughout the country.
Photo Credit: John Deere Company
Categories: National