Supporting young people raising livestock through 4-H and FFA, and turning their hard work into locally raised protein for Orange County families facing food insecurity.
In its first year, Barn to Table connected Orange County's next generation of farmers with neighbors in need. SFUA purchased animals from 13 local 4-H and FFA exhibitors at the OC Fair Junior Livestock Auction, paying out $9,425 to support their agricultural education. The meat was processed and delivered to the OC Food Bank within 18 days, providing 1,421 pounds of protein, about 5,680 servings, for local families. The program was funded entirely by donors.
The Barn to Table Fund was founded to support youth engaged in livestock education while creating a pathway for locally raised protein to reach families in need. Local students raise animals through 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA), programs that teach responsibility, animal husbandry, and real business skills, and shape tomorrow's community leaders. Through Barn to Table, that work becomes nutritious, high-quality protein for Orange County food banks.
Fundraising opens February 1, 2027. Tax-deductible gifts of any amount go into SFUA's restricted Barn to Table Fund and are pooled to make a greater impact.
SFUA purchases animals at the OC Fair Junior Livestock Auction. The purchase amount goes directly to the 4-H or FFA student who raised the animal.
The meat is handled by approved, food-safety-regulated processors, then delivered frozen to Orange County food banks for distribution.
Starting February 1, 2027, a single donation will support a student's livestock project, reward months of responsibility and learning, and turn into nourishing meals for neighbors who need them most. It's a direct, local way to invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders while strengthening Orange County's food system, all at once.