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 Second Harvest Foodbank of Southeastern Ohio in Logan.

Marilyn Sloan, the center’s food bank manager, is urging bidders at the Junior Fair livestock sale to donate their purchases to the food bank this year.

She reminds bidders that the food bank only can accept steers, feeder calves, hogs, lambs and goats.

“All of the meat we receive will be processed and made available to the food pantries in Lawrence County,” Sloan 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 six counties purchased and donated 12,243 pounds of 4-H livestock to the food bank, a program operated by Hocking Athens Perry Community Action Programs.

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 donate to the food bank:

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 you.

5.) A local meat processor will pick up the livestock.

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

Purchasing and donating an animal is tax deductible. It benefits the 4-H participant and helps fight hunger in your community.

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

The Lawrence County Junior Fair livestock sale begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 17, at the fairgrounds.