SALISBURY, MD. (Tuesday, November 9, 2021) — As part of a commitment to help foster the next generation of farmers, Perdue Farms has renewed its support for the National FFA Organization’s Give the Gift of Blue program through a $15,000 grant funded through its Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. The donation from Perdue’s charitable giving arm is part of the company’s “Delivering Hope to Our Neighbors^®” initiative focused on improving quality of life and building strong communities.

“Through the Give the Gift of Blue program, the National FFA Organization is able to gift FFA jackets to members who would not otherwise be able to own their own jacket,” said Cassy Puskala, National FFA regional director for corporate development. “An application is submitted to the National FFA Organization by the FFA member or adviser, and the application is reviewed based on financial need. Each award includes an FFA jacket and FFA scarf or tie.”

For more than 80 years, the FFA mission has been to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for leadership, growth and career success through agricultural education.

“These funds generously donated by the Perdue Foundation will provide 187 jackets to deserving FFA members,” Puskala said. “Beyond its place in official dress, an FFA corduroy jacket is an article of faith, honor and pride. The jacket unifies members in a long-standing tradition and reminds them that they are part of something larger than themselves.”

Kim Nechay, executive director of the Perdue Foundation, said: “The blue jackets worn by FFA members are such a point of pride for the kids who invest so much time and dedication to the wonderful programs of FFA. We are proud to provide funds to assure kids who cannot afford these jackets can show their colors and not be left out of such a special tradition.”

About the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation
The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms, was established in 1957 by company founder Arthur W. Perdue and is funded through the estates of Arthur W. Perdue and Frank Perdue. As part of our belief in supporting the communities where and with whom we do business, the Foundation provides grants on behalf of Perdue Farms in communities where large numbers of our associates live and work. At Perdue Farms, we believe in responsible food and agriculture^®.

About Perdue Farms
We're a fourth-generation, family-owned, U.S. food and agriculture company. Through our belief in responsible food and agriculture, we are empowering consumers, customers, and farmers through trusted choices in products and services.

The premium protein portfolio within our Perdue Foods business, including our flagship PERDUE® brand, Niman Ranch®, Panorama Organic Grass-Fed Meats®, Coleman Natural®, and Yummy®, as well as our pet brands, Spot Farms® and Full Moon®, is available through various channels including retail, foodservice, club stores, and our direct-to-consumer website, PerdueFarms.com. 

Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company.  

Now in our company’s second century, our path forward is about getting better, not just bigger. We never use drugs for growth promotion in raising poultry and livestock, and we are actively advancing our animal welfare programs. Our brands are leaders in no-antibiotics-ever chicken, turkey, pork, beef and lamb, and in USDA-certified organic chicken and beef. Learn more at Corporate.PerdueFarms.com.