Pictured (L to R): Mark & Doreen Johnson, John & Barb Charley, Dean Kohlmeyer, Jeanne & Ralph Wilson, Scott & Joan Fredrickson, Sara & Paul Martin, Sandy & Mark Weber | Not pictured: Cal Halstead (photgrapher)

Scott has worked at Landus Cooperative, a farmer-owned agricultural cooperative, for thirty years, volunteering to create awareness for food insecurity for the last five. In 2015, he partnered with Food Bank of Iowa to add a BackPack Program to Panora Elementary School.

Two years ago, Scott convinced Landus Cooperative and NutraBlend Cooperation to provide support to enable the school to add meat sticks and shelf stable milk to the backpack sacks. With their support, the BackPack program was also extended to other schools across Guthrie County.

“We know that there are hungry people all around us and food insecurity is a real problem,” Scott said. “With just a little time and help from others, we can make a huge difference in the lives of some of the hungriest people and children. Well-nourished kids will learn better, be happier, and have fewer social problems.”

Just two years ago, he partnered again with Food Bank of Iowa to start a food pantry in Panora Middle/High School. About 25 families visit this pantry every two weeks.

Four years ago, Scott started the “Ride to Feed Kids” campaign with help from Cal Halstead of Feed Energy Company and John Charley of NutraBlend Corporation. This campaign is a motorcycle ride which raises money for the BackPack program while also raising awareness of hunger issues in Iowa and across the United States.

“We typically ride to a destination for an overnight trip filled with entertainment and educational awareness about food insecurity before returning home the following day,” Scott said. “Not sure where we will go this year, but another ride through the Loess Hills sounds fun.”

Last year, 15 bikes and 25 people biked to Okoboji. They have corporate sponsors that generally cover the evening meal and some form of evening entertainment. Last year, the group enjoyed a pontoon ride around Okoboji. Why not have a little fun while helping others! Thank you, Scott and fellow bikers!