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Farm Credit Mid-America, Rural 1^st and Franklin County Fair have partnered together to collect food donations to benefit local food banks as part of a statewide food drive contest for selected counties. Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer is a friendly competition that challenges junior fairs to gather food donations for local food banks across Ohio.

Local community members may bring nonperishable food items to the county fair from July 17-23.

County Junior Fair boards are leading this contest and coming up with their own unique and creative ways to raise the most pounds of food. Franklin County Farm Bureau is partnering with the Jr. Fair board to help gather the nonperishable food items. Donations can be accepted before the fair by dropping them off at the Farm Bureau office Monday-Thursday 9 am-4 pm at 4647 Leap Ct. in Hilliard OR the fair office Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm at 4100 Columbia St. in Hilliard. Monetary donations also are acceptable and will be used to purchase non-perishable items to be added to the trailer during the week of the fair.

The total weight of all donations will be calculated at the end of the fair, with 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd place and cash prizes awarded to the 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 youth activities. The contest is one of many ways Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1^st give back to rural communities and support local agriculture.

For questions, please contact the Franklin County Fair at 614-876-7235.