The Mower County USDA Service Center is partnering with Mower County 4-H Clubs to participate in the seventh annual Feds Feed Families Food Drive. A fundraising event will be held on Aug. 10 at the Mower County Fair Grounds in the 4-H Building.

All proceeds from food stand sales in the 4-H Building from 2 to 8 p.m., plus any additional cash donations received that week will directly benefit rural food shelves in Mower County including Lyle, Grand Meadow, LeRoy and Southland Districts. Last year, efforts distributed over $1,000 back to these food shelves. Nationally, over 7.2 million pounds of food was raised in 2012.

The Feds Feed Families Food Drive is a national effort that started in 2009 to help food banks and pantries stay stocked during the summer months. During the summer, food banks and pantries usually experience lower levels of donations and a higher demand for assistance.

In order to step up last year’s efforts and meet the goal, help from the community is needed. There is a donation drop box located at the USDA Service Center in Austin for those who won’t make it to the fair. For more information on how to participate in the Feds Feed Families Food Drive, contact Michelle Janssen with the Mower County USDA Farm Service Agency at 507-433-2343 ext. 114.