Perdue Farms Helps More FFA Students Wear the Blue Jacket with $20,000 Grant
Salisbury, Md. (September 24, 2026) — Perdue Farms has renewed its support of the National FFA Organization’s Give the Gift of Blue program with a $20,000 grant through the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. To date, Perdue funding has helped provide 1,059 blue jackets to students. The grant is part of Perdue’s Delivering Hope to Our Neighbors® outreach, which supports communities where its associates live and work.
Formerly known as Future Farmers of America, FFA helps students develop leadership skills and explore careers through agricultural education.
“The FFA blue jacket represents far more than a jacket. It symbolizes leadership, confidence, and connection to a community that is dedicated to the future of agriculture,” said Jim Williams, National FFA Foundation Executive Director of Development. “Thanks to Perdue Farms’ generous support of the Give the Gift of Blue program, more FFA members have had the opportunity to experience that sense of belonging and take part in the life-changing opportunities FFA provides.”
The blue jacket is part of FFA’s Official Dress, worn by members at competitions and events including the National FFA Convention & Expo. Part of FFA since 1933, each jacket identifies the member’s state and local chapter.
“Being able to own and wear the jacket while I represent the FFA would mean the world to me,” said Maryland student Damon Olden, who was selected to receive a jacket. “The jacket stands for honor and integrity and hard work. I try to show those traits whenever I can, but especially when I am representing my local FFA chapter.”
Kim Nechay, executive director of the Perdue Foundation, applauds the work of the National FFA Organization’s Give the Gift of Blue program.
“FFA plays a vital role in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders, helping young people build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed,” said Nechay. “Through the Give the Gift of Blue program, more students can fully participate in the FFA experience and take advantage of the leadership and career development opportunities it provides. We are proud to support a program that helps inspire and prepare the future of agriculture.”
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 National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,053,847 student members as part of 9,591 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.
About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders, and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.