DelCo Ag Distributes $18,000 to Six Local Organizations

In recognition of September Hunger Awareness Month, DelCo Ag is distributing $18,000 to six local organizations working to address food insecurity and support individuals and families throughout Delaware County.

Representatives of DelCo Ag presented checks to the recipient organizations as part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to helping meet local needs.

The 2026 Hunger Awareness Month recipients and donations are:

• Delaware County Food Bank — $7,500
• Hopkinton Food Pantry — $5,000
• Second Helpings — $2,000
• Edgewood Family Resource Center — $2,000
• Delhi Food Pantry — $1,000
• Delaware County Pay It Forward Hope Gap Program — $500

DelCo Ag is a partnership of the Delaware County Farm Bureau, Delaware County Cattlemen, Delaware County Pork Producers and Delaware County Dairy Promoters. The organization brings together Delaware County’s agricultural community to host events that promote agriculture, build community connections and raise funds to address food insecurity.

The focus on hunger has become increasingly important as food costs have risen and local food banks and pantries have experienced growing demand. In a rural, agriculture-rich community where food is grown and raised all around us, DelCo Ag believes agriculture can play an important role in helping ensure local families have access to the food and resources they need.

“September Hunger Awareness Month is an important opportunity to shine a light on food insecurity right here in Delaware County,” said Allison Bishop of DelCo Ag and Delaware County Cattlemen. “Feeding people is at the heart of agriculture. These donations allow us to connect the generosity of our agricultural community, local businesses and event participants with organizations that are working directly with people who need help.”

The funds being distributed were raised through DelCo Ag’s community fundraising efforts, including the DelCo Ag Classic golf fundraiser and Brunch in the Barn.

The inaugural Brunch in the Barn, held in May at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, welcomed approximately 350 people for a pancake and sausage breakfast along with hands-on agricultural and safety activities. The event raised approximately $10,000 while creating an opportunity for families to learn more about agriculture and where their food comes from.

The DelCo Ag Classic, now in its fourth year, brings businesses, agricultural organizations and community members together for a day of golf while raising funds for local needs. DelCo Ag also raised approximately $5,000 through its RAGBRAI food stand in 2026. RAGBRAI foodstand proceeds were previously distributed to Operation Santa Claus, with a $5,000 donation announced earlier this year. That contribution continues DelCo Ag’s broader effort to use its fundraising activities to support Delaware County families and community organizations throughout the year.

With the 2026 distributions, DelCo Ag has now distributed approximately $60,000 to local organizations and programs through the proceeds of its community fundraising efforts since 2023. This includes today’s $18,000 in Hunger Awareness Month donations as well as the previously announced $5,000 contribution to Operation Santa Claus.

“These donations are made possible because so many people believe in what DelCo Ag is trying to accomplish,” said Jade Schneider, DelCo Ag and Delaware County Farm Bureau Board member. “Our sponsors, volunteers, agricultural organizations, businesses and community members have all played a part. When we work together, we can turn a pancake breakfast, a golf tournament or a food stand into something that has a lasting impact on our neighbors.”

DelCo Ag encourages community members to recognize Hunger Awareness Month by learning more about the local organizations serving those experiencing food insecurity and considering how they can support their efforts.

photo courtesy of DelCo Ag

Back Row (Left to Right): Tina Mead, Second Helpings; Brendon Porter, Delhi Thrift Store and Food Pantry; Molly Wegmann, Delaware County Farm Bureau President; Katie Hubbard, Delaware County Food Bank and Delaware County Pork Producers.

Front Row (Left to Right): Jade Schneider, Delaware County Farm Bureau; Tracy Kregel, Edgewood Family Resource Center; Kristi Willenbring, Delaware County Pay It Forward and Delaware County Dairy Promoters; Allison Bishop, Delaware County Cattlemen; Denise Bishop, Delaware County Farm Bureau. Absent from the photo: Mary Wendt, Hopkinton Food Pantry.