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the current proposed Farm Bill does not pass, a number of programs would lose funding, and others would revert back to outdated law from the 1949 Farm Bill, so this is an important year to share your support for nutrition, sustainability and equity in our food systems!).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
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We are always honored to serve seniors like Gordon, whose story reminds us of the profound impact our Senior Dining program has on the lives of individuals in our community. Gordon, a widower of 58 years, currently lives with his son, but he continues to make the five-mile drive to the Senior Dining congregate site in Maple Lake every weekday. For Gordon, this is more than just a meal, it’s a chance to connect, stay healthy, and maintain his independence. "I can’t cook, and often I’m left eating Cheerios and coffee at night," Gordon shared. That’s where the Senior Dining program becomes so vital for him. The nutritious meals provided at Catholic Charities help him maintain a balanced diet and ensure he’s getting the nutrients he needs. While Gordon says, “You can’t please everyone all the time,” he enjoys the meals offered and values the healthy options available to him. But it’s not just about the food for Gordon. It’s the sense of community he experiences each day when he visits the Maple Lake site. Gordon enjoys visiting the other diners and the staff, who he calls "perfect" and insists they "do their jobs well." He appreciates the laughter, the warm welcome, and the connection with others that make each visit special. Catholic Charities Senior Dining Program serves seniors aged 60 and over, offering nutritious meals that help them stay healthy and independent. Whether it’s through congregate dining sites, or Meals on Wheels services, we are committed to providing seniors with the support they need to lead a healthy, independent life. Gordon is one of many seniors who rely on this program, and his continued dedication to attending every weekday demonstrates the importance of these services in maintaining his health and quality of life. He says he plans to keep coming as long as he’s able—a sentiment that reflects the value that Senior Dining brings to seniors in our community. We’re grateful for Gordon’s participation in our Senior Dining program and for the positive impact it has on his well-being. For Gordon and many others, it’s not just about the food, it’s about the connections, the care, and the opportunity to stay independent and healthy.
If your garden is overflowing this summer, you’re not alone—and that’s a good thing. Whether it’s tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, or beans, your extra produce can do more than fill your pantry. It can help feed families right here in our community. Catholic Charities of St. Cloud is hosting a Grow & Give donation event, running now through October 2025. The idea is simple: if you’re growing a garden, consider growing a little extra—or sharing what you won’t use—and donate it to Catholic Charities Food Shelf. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always in high demand, and your homegrown produce can make a real difference for neighbors facing food insecurity. How to Donate 📍 Drop-off Location: Catholic Charities Food Shelf 157 Roosevelt Road, Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN (Use Door D) 🕘 Donation Hours: Monday through Thursday: 9 am to 3 pm Friday: 9 am to 12 pm 🔔 Please ring the buzzer at Door D during donation hours. Staff or volunteers will meet you at the door to accept your donation. For food safety, donations must be handed directly to staff—please do not leave produce unattended or drop off outside posted hours.
