ROSS COUNTY, OH (November 11, 2025) – Youth 4-H leaders across Ohio united this summer in an extraordinary campaign to fight hunger, collecting a record-breaking 448,827 pounds of food for more than 60 food banks statewide.
The effort took place as part of the Fight Hunger, Stock the Trailer competition, presented by Farm Credit Mid-America and sponsored by Rural 1st. The program encourages friendly county rivalries while providing a tangible way for young leaders to support their communities and raise funds for their 4-H organizations.
“This initiative highlights the creativity and leadership of Ohio youth while directly supporting families in need,” said Melanie Strait-Bok, Senior Vice President of Agricultural Lending at Farm Credit Mid-America. “With over 1.8 million Ohioans facing food insecurity, it’s inspiring to see young leaders step up and make a difference.”
This year marks the fourth consecutive year of record donations, with a 57% increase over 2024’s total of 286,000 pounds. Ross County emerged as the overall state winner, contributing an astonishing 122,640 pounds of food, collected by Brookside Church and the Good Samaritan Food Pantry.
CJ Jones, a member of the Ross County Junior Fair Board, said, “Our goal was to collect more food and help more people. When we first announced a target of 100,000 pounds, some were skeptical. But with faith, teamwork, and encouragement from our community, we made it happen.”
In addition to food donations, Farm Credit Mid-America contributed $63,000 to Ohio 4-H county fairs, with each participating county receiving $500 to support youth programs. Top-performing junior fair boards in each region received additional awards, with Ross County receiving $5,000 for its outstanding effort.
Other regional highlights include:
South Ohio Region – 140,736 pounds total
- 1st: Ross County – 122,640 lbs – $5,000
- 2nd: Clermont County – 6,720 lbs – $1,500
- 3rd: Brown County – 6,386 lbs – $500
Northeast Ohio Region – 129,848 pounds total
- 1st: Lorain County – 52,444 lbs – $5,000
- 2nd: Stark County – 28,225 lbs – $1,500
- 3rd: Ashland County – 12,758 lbs – $500
East Central Ohio Region – 119,752 pounds total
- 1st: Hartford Independent – 35,961 lbs – $5,000
- 2nd: Guernsey County – 26,520 lbs – $1,500
- 3rd: Muskingum County – 17,958 lbs – $500
West Central Ohio Region – 29,834 pounds total
- 1st: Champaign County – 18,140 lbs – $5,000
- 2nd: Warren County – 4,840 lbs – $1,500
- 3rd: Greene County – 4,220 lbs – $500
Northwest Ohio Region – 28,656 pounds total
- 1st: Fulton County – 13,860 lbs – $5,000
- 2nd: Mercer County – 8,820 lbs – $1,500
- 3rd: Auglaize County – 4,020 lbs – $500
Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1st continue to invest in rural communities and youth agriculture programs. In 2024 alone, the organization contributed nearly $4.5 million to impactful programs, including $82,000 specifically for Ohio 4-H.
The “Fight Hunger, Stock the Trailer” program exemplifies the power of youth leadership and community collaboration in addressing food insecurity across Ohio.
For more information, visit www.fcma.com.
