Farm Bureau aids food pantries through Harvest for Hunger
Dr. Eric Shaver, president of the Holmes County Farm Bureau, addresses the crowd about the efforts of the bureau and the gratitude they have for those who attended the recent fundraiser meal at Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery.
The Holmes County Farm Bureau, Ohio Farm Bureau and community members came together recently to do their part in raising funds and awareness for local food pantries.
On Aug. 23 Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery opened its facility to those willing to help raise money to benefit Holmes County food pantries.
Sponsored by Holmes County Farm Bureau, the 2023 Harvest for Hunger took on a new look from past events that featured a locally sourced meal hosted by an area farm family. This year Farm Bureau changed the format, opting to make it a family-friendly event at Hershberger’s.
In addition to a by-donation meal of cheeseburger, hot dogs, noodles, baked beans, ice cream and other goodies that made up the menu, there was an auction, a silent auction and visitors had a chance to tour the farm to view the many animals including the petting zoo.
Despite a deluge of rain threatening to put a damper on the festivities in the late afternoon, the clouds parted and plenty of supporters flocked to the farm for the event. In the end all of the proceeds will be distributed among the four food banks in Holmes County.
Edgar Raber, director of the Love Center Food Pantry, was on hand and spoke about the important role food banks play in the area. He said the Holmes County Farm Bureau came to them and asked how they could help raise awareness.
“We were a little concerned about 4:15 when it poured, but everything turned out fine,” Raber said. “We didn’t know what to expect, but we had a terrific turnout.”
He said in prior years the catered meal that was around $100 per plate was fine, but they felt like they were seeing the same group of people every year. In order to make the invitation more widespread, they went to a more relaxed, inviting affair.
“I think this format provided more exposure and more families involved,” Raber said.
Kayla Jones, organization director with the Ohio Farm Bureau, said the move to the new format is one that appears to work well. She said whatever works is best for the benefit of the local food banks.
“We’ve always had support, but the attendance wasn’t what we had hoped it would be over the years of doing a sit-down meal,” Jones said. “We tried to find a way to revamp the event and get more people to hear the message of the importance of these food banks and their commitment to support the entire county.”
She said these types of events are critical because the food banks run entirely off of donations.
She said discussion on how to revamp the event began last fall, and they contacted Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery owner Daniel Hershberger in early spring. They met and meshed out the game plan and utilized all of the resources the farm offers.
The evening kicked off at 5 p.m. with a meal of hamburgers, hot dogs, Amish noodles, baked beans and ice cream available until 7 p.m., followed by a live auction featuring gift baskets and items unique to Holmes County. There also was a silent auction. The petting zoo also was open during the event.
During the evening attendees had the opportunity to learn about the history of Harvest for Hunger and the work that is done by local food pantries during presentations by Dr. Eric Shaver, president of Holmes County Farm Bureau, and Raber.
“When the Farm Bureau approached us, we were excited to open up the farm for the event because it’s such an important part of our community,” Hershberger said.
According to Jones, the Farm Bureau has been supporting local food pantries since 2016. Jones has been instrumental in continuing that effort as the event director, and the many volunteers from the community helped make it a success.
The evening allowed several people to promote the food pantries, and Raber was one of those who spoke to the crowd.
“We’re grateful to the Farm Bureau and their hard work,” Raber said. “Holmes County is unique. It’s the farmers of Holmes County and the farmers of America who feed not only Holmes County and America, but people around the world. Together we can wipe out hunger in this community and around the world.”
Shaver also spoke and said the county has an obligation to take a seat at the table when it comes to feeding the hungry.
He said the food pantries are tailored to meet the needs of those in need throughout the county, and they are all working together to provide for the hungry.
“Holmes County Farm Bureau has been able to commit more than $60,000 to local food pantries, and that’s something to be thankful for,” Shaver said.
In presenting this event, extending that total amount raised and promoting everything good the food pantries are accomplishing within the borders of Holmes County took another big step forward.