The Knox County Junior Fair Board’s Stock the Trailer campaign is turning fair week into an opportunity to help families throughout the community.
WNZR’s Eric Brown spoke with Olivia Stern of Food For The Hungry, Captain Christine Moretz of The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon, and Knox County Fair Queen Sophie Wolf about the food drive, the need it addresses, and how fairgoers can take part.
Click HERE to hear the conversations!
Stern said Stock the Trailer has grown into a successful partnership between the Junior Fair Board and Food For The Hungry. Along with collecting food, the campaign helps raise awareness about hunger in Knox County and gives young people a direct way to serve their community.
That support is especially important as local food pantries continue to see more families asking for assistance. Stern said the need has increased significantly in recent years, making community food drives an important part of keeping pantry shelves stocked.
Captain Moretz said the donations arrive at an important time for The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon. Demand at its food pantry continues to grow, and the food collected through Stock the Trailer will help the organization serve local families.
The donations also support The Salvation Army’s summer day camp. Moretz said dozens of children receive breakfast, lunch, and snacks through the program each day.
Wolf explained that Stock the Trailer is also part of a competition sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1st. Participating county fairs compete to collect the greatest amount of donated food by weight.
Collection sites are located throughout the Knox County Fairgrounds, giving visitors several opportunities to donate during fair week.
Wolf said the project reflects the fair’s commitment to community service. While the fair celebrates agriculture and the accomplishments of local young people, Stock the Trailer also reminds visitors of the importance of helping neighbors who are facing food insecurity.
Click HERE to learn more about Food For The Hungry!
Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!
Click HERE to see the story from WBNS-TV!
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