WOODSFIELD, Ohio (AVC News) — A new campaign debuting at the 2026 Monroe County Fair will encourage livestock buyers to help fight hunger by donating locally raised meat to area food pantries.
The Monroe County Community Foundation is partnering with Expand Energy to launch the Fill the Freezer campaign during the fair’s junior livestock sale on Aug. 27.
The initiative invites buyers to donate hog and beef purchases from the sale to help stock the freezers of Monroe County food pantries with fresh, locally raised protein.
“Monroe County has a lot of heart, and Fill the Freezer gives our county’s giving spirit a direct path to our neighbors who need it most,” said Alyssa Stephens, a committee member with the Monroe County Community Foundation. “This campaign is one more way we can all come together to make a difference in our communities.”
The campaign is being conducted in partnership with the Monroe County Senior Fair Board and Sale Committee, local 4-H and FFA members, and area meat processors.
Expand Energy is supporting the effort, while the NiSource Charitable Foundation and Columbia Gas are helping cover meat processing costs.
“The Monroe County Fair is a celebration of the hard work and dedication of our local 4-H and FFA members,” said Stephanie Paluda, community affairs manager for Expand Energy. “Fill the Freezer creates an opportunity for that hard work to have an even greater impact by helping provide nutritious, locally raised protein to families facing food insecurity.”
According to organizers, more than 17% of Monroe County residents experience food insecurity. Meat is one of the most expensive grocery items, making it difficult for many families and food pantries to afford.
The Monroe County Community Foundation is one of several affiliate foundations of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio supporting Fill the Freezer and similar programs. In 2025, those initiatives resulted in the donation of more than 33,000 pounds of fresh, locally raised protein to food pantries across the region.
