Perdue grant expands FFA jacket program for students
The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation awarded $20,000 to the National FFA Organization's Give the Gift of Blue program. Perdue Farms' support has helped supply 1,059 blue corduroy jackets to FFA members. The jackets, part of FFA Official Dress since 1933, are provided to students who might not otherwise afford them, including Maryland student Damon Olden.
The Perdue Foundation’s $20,000 award supports FFA’s Give the Gift of Blue, which helps cover blue corduroy jacket costs. Perdue-linked giving has funded 1,059 jackets so far. FFA Official Dress has included the garment since 1933. Members wear it to contests and gatherings, including the National FFA Convention & Expo. State and local chapter names appear on each jacket.
Maryland FFA member Damon Olden is one recipient. He said owning and wearing the jacket while representing FFA would mean a great deal, describing it as representing integrity, honor, and effort. FFA reports more than 1,053,847 members in 9,591 chapters nationwide, plus chapters in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This grant may help more students participate in FFA activities by removing a clothing cost barrier. Affected students could gain a greater sense of belonging, confidence, and visibility at competitions and conventions. Agricultural communities and the future workforce may benefit if such support encourages broader participation and leadership development. However, the immediate effect is limited to jacket recipients and the program’s reach.