All livestock donated will feed people in Lawrence County

Businesses, organizations and individuals can make a direct impact on hunger in Lawrence County this year by donating their livestock purchases at the Lawrence County Fair to the Southeastern Ohio Food Bank in Logan.

Dick Stevens, Hocking Athens Perry Community Action Food & Nutrition Division director, is urging bidders at the Junior Fair livestock sale to donate their purchases to the food bank this year. He reminds bidders that the food bank only can accept steers, feeder calves, dairy cows and swine.

“All of the meat we receive will be processed and made available to the food pantries in Lawrence County,” Stevens said. “With more and more people falling under the federal poverty guidelines in Lawrence County, there is a great need this year.”

Last year, organizations, businesses and individuals in nine counties purchased and donated 19,771 pounds of 4-H livestock to the food bank, a program operated by Hocking Athens Perry Community Action Programs. In Lawrence County, four animals totaling 998 pounds were donated to the food bank.

The food bank provides the necessary food for proper daily nourishment to pantries in a 10-county service area, which includes Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, Vinton and Washington.

The food pantries serve income-eligible families, where many are working but unable to provide adequate food for their families.

If you would like to help with the food bank’s mission:

1.) Tell the auctioneer you will keep the animal, it is not for resale.

2.) On your paperwork, write donate to the food bank.

3.) Your part is complete.

4.) There is no additional cost to the donor.

5.) Nelson’s Meat Processing will pick up the livestock.

6.) The food bank will pick up the product from the processor.

The food bank will accept only large livestock, and cannot accept the grand champion or reserve champion at this time. The food bank can only accept animals that are processed by a USDA or ODA fully inspected (not custom) meat processor.

Purchasing and donating an animal is tax deductible. It benefits the 4-H participants and helps fight hunger in your community. All donations will remain in the county of origin for your local food pantries.

For more information, contact Barbara Rountree, HAPCAP community service worker, at (740) 385-6813, extension 2206.

The Lawrence County Junior Fair livestock large animal sale starts at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 16 at the fairgrounds.