Agriculture Day 2023
March 21, 2023
Agriculture Day (Ag Day) is a day to recognize, promote and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture. This year Ag Day celebrates 50 years of recognizing and honoring the importance of American agriculture.
The agriculture sector in the United States employs 22 million people and there are about 2 million farms across the United States. One U.S. farm feeds 166 people annually. The average time a farmer operator spends on the farm in a lifetime is 58.3 years. 11% of the farmers in the U.S. previously served in the military and women make up 36% of the total number of U.S. farm operators.
More than half of America’s farmers intentionally provide habitat for wildlife. Deer, moose, birds and other species have shown significant population increases for decades thanks to the careful stewardship of the land.
Check out these ideas for celebrating Ag Day and thanking America’s farmers and ag families for feeding, clothing, and sheltering us.
- Plant a garden – you can even plant a larger garden and donate your surplus food to a local food shelf.
- Consider yourself a master gardener? Teach a child (or a friend!) about gardening.
- Share a favorite recipe that uses locally grown food.
- Educate yourself and others about the intricacies of farming and agriculture. You can start by researching agricultural issues that affect our community.
- Contact your legislator and remind them of the importance of supporting farm initiatives. (Note: this is the year that the legislature revisits the Farm Bill, which focuses on US and global food aid, farm and ag requirements and subsidies, and food assistance programs for those dealing from hunger; if the current proposed Farm Bill does not pass, a number of programs would lose funding, and others would revert back to outdated law from the 1949 Farm Bill, so this is an important year to share your support for nutrition, sustainability and equity in our food systems!).
- Use social media for good! Share what agriculture means to you – whether it’s a recipe, a story or just a photo of your favorite farmer’s market!
- Visit farmer’s markets. Buy local produce. Take it a step further and try making a ‘farm to table’ meal, consisting of only items grown from local farms.
- Consider buying a local CSA share for the upcoming season (Community Supported Agriculture).
- Join a local Coop grocery store in your area to support local farmers.
- Try out some new recipes with locally grown fruits and veggies this summer.
- Support the Rural Life Fund of Catholic Charities, to help offer one-time emergency assistance to rural families facing an unexpected financial hardship.
- Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 20th to plan to attend the annual Rural Life Celebration put on by Catholic Charities and the Diocese of St. Cloud (more details to come!)
- Visit a local farm that offers tours or activities. You could try Fairhaven Farms in Fairhaven, Country Blossom Farm in Alexandria, Coffman Apple Orchard in Wheaton, Green Island Farm in Wadena, Oliver Kelley Farm near Elk River, The Redhead Creamery near Brooten or Lida Farm in Pelican Rapids.
Our Recent News
Catholic Charities is expanding its ability to serve older adults across Wright County with the addition of a new hot/cold delivery truck, made possible through funding from the Central Minnesota Council on Aging (CMCOA) and generous community support. The investment will help strengthen and grow Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining services, ensuring nutritious meals reach more seniors safely and efficiently. As the demand for nutritious meal services continues to rise, reliable transportation plays a critical role in connecting older adults with the food they depend on every day. The new truck improves the delivery process by transporting meals from Catholic Charities' production kitchens to community meal sites and home-delivered meal routes throughout the region. Designed with separate heated and refrigerated compartments, the vehicle allows staff to transport hot, fresh meals and frozen meals at the same time while maintaining strict food safety standards. The truck's specialized design ensures meals arrive at the proper temperature, preserving both quality and safety for those receiving them. The vehicle can carry hundreds of meals daily, significantly increasing delivery capacity and operational efficiency. Before the addition of the truck, meals were transported using insulated hot and cold bags, requiring additional handling and limiting the number of meals that could be delivered on each route. Today, hot meals leave the kitchen at approximately 180 degrees and maintain safe temperatures throughout transport, arriving at the recommended serving temperature of 165 degrees. Frozen and refrigerated meals are delivered below 40 degrees, allowing recipients to safely store them upon arrival. The impact extends beyond meal quality. Staff and volunteers now spend less time loading, unloading, and managing insulated bags, allowing them to focus more on serving clients and ensuring deliveries are completed safely and on time. Meals are delivery-ready when the truck arrives at outreach locations, creating a more streamlined process that benefits everyone involved. "Food access for rural seniors continues to be a growing concern," said Stacy Lund, Program Director. "The truck will provide opportunities for Catholic Charities to continue service in our rural communities as operational funding and resources become more limited while community need continues to increase." More than just a vehicle, the new hot/cold truck represents an investment in the future of Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining services. It provides the infrastructure needed to meet growing demand, expand service opportunities, and support older adults who rely on these programs to remain healthy, independent, and connected to their communities. In a fitting tribute, staff have named the truck Grace in honor of Sister Grace, a beloved former employee whose legacy of service continues to inspire the organization's mission today. Like its namesake, Grace will help deliver not only nutritious meals, but also the caring connections that make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults across Central Minnesota. About Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining Catholic Charities' Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining programs provide nutritious meals and meaningful social connections for older adults throughout Central Minnesota. Through home-delivered and congregate meal services, the programs help individuals maintain their independence, improve food security, and remain connected to their communities. The addition of Grace ensures Catholic Charities can continue advancing that mission for years to come.
If you've spent time with Brian Woods, you've probably heard a great story.
At Catholic Charities, we are blessed to witness moments that reveal the true spirit of community. During a recent visit to our St. Cloud Senior Dining program, our team saw one of those moments firsthand. Grandpa Ray and his grandson, Noah, were preparing to deliver meals—a routine that has become a treasured family tradition. Ray often brings all three of his grandsons, turning service into something that strengthens their bond while uplifting others. Our Senior Dining Coordinator, Kim, shared that Ray and his grandkids have become a bright spot for many of the neighbors we serve. For those receiving meals, it’s not just about nutrition. It’s the warmth of a familiar smile, the energy of young people at the door, and the reminder that they are seen and cared for. This simple act of delivering meals shows the power of serving together—building community, connection, and hope one doorstep at a time. We depend on volunteers like Ray—and like you—to bring compassion to our neighbors. If you feel called to serve, explore our volunteer opportunities, including meal delivery and family volunteering. Your kindness could be the moment someone looks forward to each day. Make an impact and volunteer with us!
