Full trailer = full bellies

NORWALK — Fairgoers to this year's Huron County Fair will have the opportunity to not only have fun, but help the community. The Huron County Jr. Fair Board is reaching out to Huron County's businesses, 4-H clubs, FFA chapters and individuals to donate non-perishable food to help them win this year's Stock the Trailer, Fight the Hunger contest during the week of the county fair, taking place Aug. 11-16. Stock the Trailer, Fight the Hunger is a statewide initiative with friendly competition to help support junior fairs and food banks across the state. The counties are competing to see who can collect the greatest poundage of food during their individual fair time. The prizes for the places are as follows: • First place wins $5,000 • Second place wins $3,500 • Third place wins $1,500 • Each participating county receives a Participation Prize of $500 The contest was started in 2020, with the goal of empowering junior fair youth during a time when many fair events were uncertain. The goal of the program is to combat food insecurity and help build leadership skills. Five years later, the program has surpassed its projected growth and is present in 66 of the total 88 counties of Ohio, according to the Ohio Fair Managers Association. To donate, people can place your food item in a large livestock trailer next to the junior fair office during the fair or by giving their donation to a Junior Fair Board member. At the conclusion of the fair, all food will be donated to Norwalk Salvation Army.