The Mower County Farm Bureau is celebrating March as Food Awareness Month.

To mark the occasion, the Mower County Farm Bureau along with other commodity groups in the county will be at Hy-Vee in Austin from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Free samples and drawings will be available.

Food Awareness Month was created to bring awareness to all things food — from the farmers who grow and raise our food, to food safety and availability.

“Farmers are committed to providing safe and healthy food choices for all Americans. As Farm Bureau members, we want to talk with you about our shared goal of nutritious and affordable meals for our families. We are in the same grocery stores and restaurants as you having these conversations,” said Mower County Farm Bureau President Marlin Fay in a press release.

Farm Bureau’s Food Awareness Month is aimed at helping American consumers learn about the food they eat every day. Minnesota farmers and ranchers take pride in ensuring safe food choices for Minnesota families. More than 21 million American workers, 15 percent of the total workforce, produce, process and sell the nation’s food and fiber. On average, American consumers spend the lowest percentage of their annual income on food – just 10 percent, compared to 14 percent in Italy and 33 percent in China.

Minnesota Farm Bureau is comprised of 78 local Farm Bureau associations across Minnesota. Members make their views known to political leaders, state government officials, special interest groups and the general public. Programs for young farmers and ranchers develop leadership skills and improve farm management. Promotion and Education Committee members work with programs such as Ag in the Classroom and safety education for children. Join Farm Bureau today and support efforts to serve as an advocate for rural Minnesota, www.fbmn.org.