Local 4-H chapters gather perishable goods for statewide competition

Local 4-H chapters are teaming together to collect food for those in need and are asking for the public’s help.

Throughout the state, chapters in all 99 counties are working to raise 10,000 non-perishable food items to donate to food banks in communities across Iowa.

Rebekah Craighton, 4-H State Council Franklin County Representative, said that means 4-H clubs are challenged to raise 100 items as a county. She said Franklin County clubs are well on their way to the goal, already collecting 25-plus items within the first two days.

“I feel like it’s easier to do a food drive over some of the other service projects we’ve done in the past because a lot of people have food laying around,” she said. “We went through our pantry and immediately found 10 items that we had.”

Craighton said that the campaign is not a competition amongst the 4-H clubs across the state, but rather, a challenge for each chapter to not only meet goals, but exceed them as well.”

“It’s kind of a competition with ourselves,” she said. “We want to beat our own goal of 10,000 items so the more we can collect, the better.”

The challenge began Nov. 1 and will run through Dec. 1. Those who wish to donate can drop off items at the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Franklin County office.

Craighton said items can be designated towards a certain group’s total, but specification is not necessary.

Craighton said the food drive is a is a great way for 4-H Chapters and communities to come together in a time of year when many are in need, especially during a year when so many are facing new uncertainty.

“To see our community to come together, especially with everything going on right now, we feel like this is a way we can make a difference especially since people are struggling with the pandemic,” she said.

“So if we can help them in any way, we feel like that’s a good thing.”