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Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) sponsored meals for the 1,000 in attendance at this year’s Menu of Hope luncheon in Columbus.

The annual Menu of Hope benefits the Children’s Hunger Alliance Endowment Fund created eight years ago to ensure that Children’s Hunger Alliance will be able to continue providing nutritious meals and services to children throughout Ohio. Children Hunger Alliance is one of the state’s largest anti-hunger agencies, providing meals to more than 10,000 children every day in Ohio.

OFBF’s metro program worked with many Ohio Proud companies across the state to fill 100 Longaberger baskets with products that were donated to Children’s Hunger Alliance. Tia Rosa Bakery of Ohio; Bertman’s Original Ball Park Mustard, Fremont; Golden Heritage Foods LLC; Broughton Cannery/ADJR Inc.; Fruit Grower’s Marketing Association; Humphrey Company; Bluescreek Farm Meats; T. Marzetti Company; and J.M. Smucker Company all donated. The baskets were used as table centerpieces for the luncheon.

"While most of us are blessed with safe, affordable food, we recognize it’s not always affordable for everyone. It’s startling to think one in six children go to bed hungry or are at risk for hunger every night," said OFBF Executive Vice President Jack Fisher, who will serve as an honorary co-chair for the 2004 Menu of Hope. "Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is committed to working with groups such as Children’s Hunger Alliance to help teach adults and children more about their food and agriculture’s role in providing us all with the food we need. We must not forget, farmers are our link to helping us fight hunger."

Naomi Judd was the featured speaker for the event. She echoed the theme of Menu of Hope by stating, "A hungry child cannot learn . . . An uneducated child cannot earn." Judd talked about the days of being a single mother with two daughters and trying to earn enough to have dinner on the table.