The Mower County USDA Service Center announced a new partnership with Mower County 4-H Clubs to participate in the sixth annual Feds Feed Families Food Drive. A fundraising event will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 4 at the Mower County Fair Grounds in the 4-H Building. Any additional cash donations received that week will directly benefit rural food shovels in Mower County including Lyle, Grand Meadow, LeRoy, and Southland Districts.

Last year, efforts raised distributed more than $1,700 back to these food shelves—an equivalent of 8,500 pounds of food. Nationally, more than 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 their goal, community help is needed.

Any interested volunteers that are unable to attend the fair fundraiser can donate at a donation drop box located at the USDA Service Center in Austin.

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.