Fight hunger at the fair

PERKINS TWP. — The Erie County Fair is, once again, joining a growing statewide effort to fight hunger and give back to local community food banks by participating in the Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer contest. It's presented by Farm Credit Mid-America and sponsored by Rural 1st. This friendly competition among Ohio county fairs encourages youth leaders to collaborate with their local community to collect food donations for area food banks. "From fairground gathering to club-level contests, participants have found unique ways to rally their communities since the contest first launched in 2021," according to an event statement." In the last two years of competition, the Erie County Fair has collected more than 2,500 pounds of food." "We're excited to bring this initiative back to Ohio county fairs, and to once again see how young people across the state encourage participation," said Seth Wilkerson, regional vice president for agricultural lending at Farm Credit Mid-America. "In Erie County, we know the fair is a gathering place for the whole community, and this contest is a great way to rally people around an important cause that ultimately helps those in need close to home." Since its inception, the annual contest, which also occurs in Indiana, has collected and donated more than 950,000 pounds of food. This year, participants can also contribute fresh protein from livestock auctions — a reflection of growing interest in additional ways to donate. Fairs that participate receive a $500 award, and top-performing counties in each of five regions across the state will earn additional prizes: • $5,000 for first place • $1,500 for second place • $500 for third place All prize money goes directly back to local 4-H programs, further supporting youth development in rural communities. "Ultimately, the true winners are the communities we serve," Wilkerson said. "This contest fuels our purpose to secure rural communities and agriculture by empowering youth leaders and supporting the local food banks who help local families in need." Fight Hunger, Stock the Trailer is just one way Farm Credit Mid-America and its consumer lending brand, Rural 1st, invest in rural communities and agriculture. In 2024, the association contributed nearly $4.5 million to impactful programs, including $1.7 million for youth, college students and young and beginning farmers. Of that, $450,000 supported the next generation of Ohio ag leaders, including $82,000 for Ohio 4-H programs. At the Erie County Fair, there should be a booth and/or an area where people can donate to this initiative. They can also contact those working for the fair and leaders of Erie County-based 4-H organizations for more information.