MANSFIELD—Farm Credit Mid-America, Rural 1st®, and several area county fairs have partnered together to raise food donations to benefit local food banks as part of a state-wide food drive contest. Morrow and Richland counties have committed to participating in the contest this summer. Now in its second year, Fight Hunger, Stock the Trailer is a friendly competition that helps junior fairs raise food donations for local food banks across Ohio. The contest is one of many ways Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1st® give back to rural communities and support local agriculture.

“Fight Hunger, Stock the Trailer has grown from a pilot project to a state-wide initiative that encourages the local community to come out and help stock the shelves at local food banks,” says Evan Hahn, a Regional Vice President of Agricultural Lending for Farm Credit Mid-America in Ohio. “Last year, eight counties across Central and Southeast Ohio collected more than 21,000 pounds of food that went on to benefit 18 local food banks. We’re very excited to see what the growth and impact will look like as the contest expands across Ohio this summer.”

Local community members may bring non-perishable food items to each county as follows:

  • Richland County Fair from August 7-13
  • Morrow Fair from August 29-September 5

Attendees may look for signs and banners to direct them to the food donation area at each county fairground. The total weight of all donations will be calculated at the end of the fair, with 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and cash prizes awarded to the county fairs who raise the most food at the end of the summer.

Prizes include a $500 award for each county fair that contributes, followed by a $5,000 donation to the fair that raises the most food, followed by $3,500 for second place and $1,500 for third place. All prize money awarded will support local junior fair activities.

The Fight Hunger, Stock the Trailer contest is being hosted on a regional basis. Farm Credit Mid-America Financial Officer, Robb Webb, and Associate Financial Officer, Lindy McLaughlin, are local leaders of the Fight Hunger, Stock the Trailer initiative. To learn about which counties are participating in 2022, reach out to Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1st® at (330) 823-8884.