FSA teamed up with Ohio farmer to donate more than one ton of fresh, sweet corn to local food banks.
The Muskingum-Morgan Farm Service Agency in Ohio teamed up with Andy Rittberger, the largest vegetable grower in Muskingum County to provide produce to local food banks. In response to USDA’s Feds Feed Families Food Drive, FSA coordinated with Rittberger and Christ’s Table to accept more than a ton of sweet corn and other fresh fruits and vegetables.
“Without the generosity of local farmers, we would not be able to meet the enormous need we have to serve more than 9,500 meals per month,” said Keely Warden, executive director of Christ’s Table. Warden added that the donation was so large that there was enough to share with other organizations in the Muskingum County Hunger Network. The network consists of 15 organizations that provide food and assistance to needy individuals.
Christ’s Table provides free meals and assistance to those in need. About half of the meals are served on-site while other meals are delivered to homes. All home deliveries and meal preparations are made possible by more than 100 volunteers.
Rittberger donated the corn along with watermelons, cantaloupe, tomatoes and peppers, making his donation to Christ Table the largest made through USDA’s Feds Feed Families food drive in Ohio this year.
“We don’t sell corn that has been harvested more than a day and donating it to Christ’s Table meets our operation’s mission of being a good corporate neighbor,” said Ritterberger. “They do such good work and help so many people. I’m happy that their clients will be able to have some fresh, locally grown produce while it is available.”
“We are so fortunate in Southeastern Ohio to have such a supportive and caring community,” said Bill Huston, FSA county executive director. “Linking up producers with food banks is very easy. Our farmers like the rest of the community are very giving. It is made even easier when you have organizations like Christ’s Table that do such a great job and are recognized for their work,” continued Huston.
Since the Feds Feeding Families campaign began in 2009, federal workers have donated and collected 15.2 million pounds of food and other non-perishable items to support families across America.
