Culver's restaurants across the U.S. continue to build support of American agriculture as part of the chain's 'Thank You Farmers' initiative.

Since the program began in 2013, more than $1 million has been raised in support of the National FFA, local FFA chapters and a variety of local agricultural organizations.

In 2015, $360,000 was raised for FFA and other agricultural organizations across the country. This included money from donation canisters, percentage of sales donations, sponsorships, as well as a "Scoops of Thanks" day (where $1 Scoops of custard were sold August 8) and other events and activities.

Culver's donates more than $1 million to support agriculture

"We are excited to see the enthusiasm with which guests have welcomed 'Thank You Farmers,'" said David Stidham, Culver's vice president for marketing and newly appointed member of the National FFA Foundation Sponsors' board of directors. "We're deeply grounded in the farms that produce and grow the food that has made Culver's what it is today."

"Culver's and FFA provide a great partnership that supports agriculture education in our local communities," added Todd Greenwood, director of corporate giving at the National FFA Foundation. "We appreciate that Culver's recognizes the hard work and dedication of farm families. Programs like 'Thank you Farmers' are helping to build awareness of the critical role agriculture plays. We are very thankful for Culver's support."

In Minnesota last year, 20 Minnesota restaurants that reported their totals for the program, which featured blue barns dotting the countryside. A corporate spokesperson said the 20 restaurants raised a combined total of $11,805 which they donated to their local FFA chapters.

For more than 30 years, Culver's has served cooked-to-order food for its guests. The franchise system now numbers more than 550 family-owned and operated restaurants in 22 states. Signature items include the award-winning ButterBurger®, made from fresh, never frozen, beef, and Fresh Frozen Custard, including the famous Flavor of the Day program. For more information, visit http://www.culvers.com