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The Ohio Association of Foodbanks recently received a donation of processed pork from the Hartford Junior Fair youth livestock auction with the assistance of the Licking County Farm Bureau, Heartland Bank and the Englefield Family. The donation, more than 15,000 pounds of pork, will be split among several local charities, including the Food Pantry Network of Licking County, the Ronald McDonald House, Recreation Unlimited and the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. The donation comes from the annual 4-H and FFA junior fair exhibitors’ livestock auction where Englefield Oil Company, Heartland Bank and Licking County Farm Bureau donated the cost of the buyback for 132 market hogs, and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) processed the meat. This year’s donation from the Hartford Junior Fair youth livestock auction is the largest contribution to date.

Licking County Farm Bureau was proud to be a part of the project as well as pay for the trucking to get the market hogs to ODRC as well as part of the cost of processing the pork.

Chuck Moore, executive director with the Food Pantry Network of Licking County, said the pork would start to be distributed immediately and would last about a month and a half. In one year the network distributes 4.8 million pounds of food. He shared his appreciation for local farmers who help contribute to the 1.5 million pounds of fresh produce distributed. “We couldn’t say thanks enough,” said Moore.

“We sincerely appreciate the generosity of so many organizations that have stepped up to support our 4-H and FFA youth and to make this much-needed high-protein food donation possible,” said Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks. “The donation will help feed many hungry Ohioans at a time when individuals and families are struggling more than ever before. Every contribution makes a difference.”

“It is extremely encouraging to see 4-H and FFA youth and businesses in our community come together to make such an impactful donation to help those in need,” said Chip Carpenter, Hartford Fair auctioneer. “The willingness of the junior fair youth and local companies and organizations to join forces to donate high-quality pork to the foodbanks and other charities is a nod to how truly selfless this community is. A huge thank you to these youth, Englefield Oil Company, Heartland Bank, Licking County Farm Bureau and ODRC for their efforts to make this happen.”