Mower County USDA Service Center partnered with Mower County 4-H Clubs to participate in the fifth annual Feds Feed Families Food Drive. A fundraising event was held on Aug. 5 at the Mower County Fair Grounds in the 4-H Building.

All proceeds from food stand sales in the 4-H Building plus any additional cash donations received that week will directly benefit rural food shelves in Mower County, including Lyle, Grand Meadow, LeRoy and Southland. A ceremony to celebrate the funds raised will be 3:30 p.m. this Tuesday at the FSA office in Austin.

Last year efforts distributed more than $2,000 back to these food shelves, an equivalent of 6,091 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.

For those who would like to join this national effort to fight hunger in the local community, there is 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.