• by Teresa Buyikian , December 15, 2023

Culver’s Restaurants recently announced that the chain’s 10-year-long charity program, the Thank You Farmers Project, has reached $5 million in total funds raised, with $1 million from 2023 alone. 

Culver’s began the Thank You Farmer’s Project in 2013 to “show its gratitude to farmers and others working in the agriculture industry,  and fund agricultural education programs in collaboration with the National [Future Farmers of America] Organization,” according to the company. Funds are raised through customer donations and promotional events.

In addition to collaboration with FFA, the program also benefits “change agents” in Culver's local communities and the nonprofit U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action (USFRA).

The chain, with 930 locations mostly in the Midwest, ran several creative fundraising promotional events during 2023. The Scoops of Thanks Day offered guests a single scoop of Fresh Frozen Custard in exchange for a $1 donation. Guests donated a total of $153,464 during this fundraiser.

In its ninth year, in conjunction with the National FFA Organization and USFRA, Culver’s held the FFA Essay Contest, which granted a total of $15,000 to the FFA chapters of the three winning students to support leadership and education in agriculture.

In the To Farmers With Love Contest, currently in progress, guests nominate a farmer they know personally. Out of 2,246 total entries, 15 winners will soon be selected for a $500 cash prize, Culver's gift cards and merchandise, along with a $575 donation to their local FFA chapter in their name.