While national Food Day priorities promote specific segments of the agricultural industry, they denounce many of the advances in agriculture that led to increased production of safe, nutritious, wholesome food and improved environmental stewardship.

“In order to meet the food needs in the United States and around the globe, farmers and ranchers will have to double production in the next 20-30 years. This is a food security issue and we need everyone involved in production agriculture to meet current and future food needs,” said Rodman. “Regardless of the size of the agricultural operation or the production practices utilized, in Kansas, we support all of our farmers and ranchers.”

Kansas Food Day priorities include promoting well-balanced, nutrient rich eating habits; supporting all Kansas farmers and ranchers; continuously improving agricultural production; and reducing hunger in Kansas communities. Rodman encouraged Kansans to join the department in support of the entire agricultural industry.

Secretary Rodman will join representatives from the Kansas State Department of Education, officials and school board members from the Eudora School District and Douglas County officials at a Kansas Food Day celebration at the Eudora High School. The celebration will include a tour of the school garden and orchard led by Eudora agricultural education students and a student-led tour of the school’s state-of-the-art culinary arts facility. While at Eudora High School, Secretary Rodman and the other officials will join Eudora students for a Kansas Food Day meal in the school cafeteria made in part from local Kansas food products.

“In order for Kansas to continue being a leader in agriculture, we need young men and women to choose to be farmers and ranchers. Exposing them to food production and educating them about agriculture today is critically important,” Rodman said. “Kansas Food Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of today’s farmers and ranchers, educate consumers about food production and encourage students to get involved in agriculture.”