Culver’s has depended on family farms since opening its first restaurant in 1984.

From the cattle ranches of the Great Plains to the dairy farms of Wisconsin, Culver’s remains committed to sourcing the finest ingredients America’s family growers have offer. And now, through “Thank You, Farmers,” the restaurant’s partnership with farmers across the country, Culver’s turns its gratitude into full-fledged support of today’s farm families, while helping ensure the future of the next generation of farmers, biologists, chemists, veterinarians, engineers and entrepreneurs.

“Culver’s is proud to call the dairy land of Wisconsin home,” said Craig Culver, CEO and co-founder of Culver’s. “Coming from a place connected to the farms that produce the dairy and grow the food that’s made the restaurant what it is, celebrating and supporting farmers just feels right.”

“Thank You, Farmers” kicked off July 1 with increased education around farmers and where our food comes from, as well as opportunities to provide monetary support to future farmers. Participating Culver’s restaurants across the nation are pledging their support to farm families through percent of sales nights, a Scoopie Token and guest donation program and event sponsorships — all benefitting local chapters of the National FFA Organization.

Culver’s restaurants are partnering with guests to raise funds through percent of sales and other sponsorship events. There will also be an opportunity for young guests to contribute. Kids who receive Scoopie Tokens intended for frozen custard or toys can be turned back in as a donation to local FFA chapters.

“This is a great opportunity for parents to show that giving back is important and it feels good,” said Culver.

Culver’s rolled out nationwide efforts including an online donation campaign on the Culvers.com homepage, as well as a Facebook promotion that allows fans to write a brief thank you note to a farmer, with each thank you note resulting in a $1 donation made to the National FFA Organization on behalf of Culver’s (up to $50,000).

As part of Culver’s new partnership with farmers across the country, the restaurant transformed a barn on U.S. 151 near Beaver Dam into a true blue, visible thank-you note to hardworking farm families nationwide. The blue plays the perfect backdrop to the giant “Thank You, Farmers” message painted on the side of the barn, easily seen from the county highway that runs past the farm.

“Culver’s wouldn’t be what it is today without the family farms that grow and produce the wholesome, delicious food we so proudly serve,” said Culver.