Jackson County fair raises most food donations in competition

The Jackson County Fair was the winner of a statewide competition to collect food for local food banks.

Organized by Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1st, the competition called “Fight Hunger, Stock the Trailer” raised more than 108 thousand pounds of food for more than 50 local food banks. 38 county fairs across the state took part in the friendly competition with Jackson County raising 16,300 pounds of food for the effort.

The Jackson County Fair will receive $5,000 to support activities that build future agricultural leaders. Each participating county received a donation, with all the counties together totaling more than $30,000

The competition is in its third year and this is the first year the contest has raised more than 100 thousand pounds of food with a total of 108, 593 pounds. Jackson County is a two-time winner after also receiving first place in 2022.

Steve Witges, with Farm Credit Mid-America said the organization is committed to giving back to rural communities and supporting local agriculture. He said it is inspiring to see the youth across the state “discover new and innovative ways to increase donations for their local food banks.”