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Ohio Farm Bureau joined leaders from across Ohio’s food and agriculture industry this week to pack 10,000 meals for central Ohio families and kick off Ohio Food and Farms Month. The October celebration is a collaboration with America 250-Ohio and will highlight the people and businesses that make up the state’s food and agriculture industry. 

More than 300 volunteers participated in the “Feeding Our Neighbors” event at The Ohio State University’s Multispecies Animal Learning Center. The event brought together Ohio Farm Bureau, Kroger’s Columbus Division, Nationwide, America 250-Ohio, Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and more than 20 partner organizations. 

“Ohio agriculture works hard every day to provide food for families here at home and around the world, and that commitment goes well beyond the farmgate,” said Adam Sharp, executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau. “Food and Farm Month is an opportunity to bring our partners together, feed our neighbors and celebrate the men and women who make our safe food supply possible.”

Each bag included ingredients for a chili bowl, a jar of peanut butter and a recipe card. The meals will be distributed to hunger-relief organizations across central Ohio. Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel also joined volunteers to pack meals.

“We’re proud to work with such amazing partners like Nationwide, Ohio Farm Bureau and The Ohio State University to kick off Ohio Food and Farms Month,” said Mark Bruce, head of communications and public affairs, Kroger’s Columbus Division. “Events like this are core to our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste commitment of ending hunger in our communities. By coming together and packing 10,000 meals in a single day, we’re not just feeding families in central Ohio; we’re rallying residents to fight food insecurity.” 

“Food and farming are at the heart of the Ohio story, and this October, we’re inviting every Ohioan to learn about our agricultural heritage, and get out and enjoy the farms, festivals and corn mazes that make this season so special,” said Todd Kleismit, executive director, America 250-Ohio.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ryan Matthews, 614-246-8210 or [email protected].