PRESS RELEASE

September 19, 2024

During Hunger Action Month, Adams, Brown and Highland County community organizations connected with The Ohio State University (OSU) and the local OSU Extension team for food kindness. These counties have a combined food insecurity rate of 52.8% (Feeding American, 2022).Nearly 1,000 people including students, staff, alumni, and community members at The Ohio State University Columbus campus recently packed 350,000 meals. More than 233,000 of those meals were delivered in Southwest Ohio on September 13. The food was delivered in Southwest Ohio via the official Ohio State Football equipment truck owned by Ken Blair. OSU Extension organized the delivery of the assembled meals to local non-profit organizations to be distributed in Adams, Brown, Franklin, Hamilton, Highland, and Montgomery counties. Representatives of OSU Extension and the Office of Student Life, as well as the non-profits involved, were on-site as the truck unloaded at each location. Adams, Brown and Highland counties distributed 55,896 meals, which were picked up by local partner agencies and food banks. These local organizations were recognized as champions of food kindness and will provide the food to their community residents. The program is a collaboration among Ohio State Student Life, Athletics, OSU Extension/College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio Union Activities board, OSU Alumni Association, Coca-Cola, and 9-11 day.org.

Ohio Food Insecurity Numbers (data from Feeding America, 2022)

Montgomery 14.6%

Hamilton 13.3%

Highland 16.5%

Adams 19.7%

Brown 16.6%

Distribution at each site:

Highland, Adams, Brown Counties – 274 boxes; 9,316 packages; 55,896 meals

Hamilton County – 434 boxes; 14,756 packages; 88,536 meals

Montgomery County – 436 boxes; 14,824 packages; 88,944 meals

OSU Extension Highland County Celebrates Grand Opening with Community Open House and Ribbon Cutting

Highland County, OH – August 9, 2024 – The OSU Extension Highland County office was the center of celebration on August 9th as it welcomed members of the community for a special Open House and Ribbon Cutting ceremony. The event marked a significant milestone for the Extension office, symbolizing its continued commitment to serving the local community through educational programs and resources.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome from Dean Cathann Kress, who praised the collaborative efforts of all involved in bringing the new facilities to fruition. Dean Kress highlighted the importance of the OSU Extension’s role in fostering community growth and providing valuable services to Highland County residents.

Jeff McCutcheon, OSU Extension, Director of Operations, also addressed the attendees, reflecting on the journey leading up to this momentous occasion. McCuchion acknowledged the collective effort of the committee and local supporters, emphasizing how the new facilities would enhance the Extension’s ability to serve the community effectively.

Commissioner David Daniels expressed his gratitude and support for the OSU Extension, recognizing its impact on the county’s development and the importance of such institutions in promoting community welfare. His remarks underscored the county’s commitment to collaboration with organizations that contribute to its growth and prosperity.

Senior Fair board President Mark Baldwin highlighted the significance of the Extension’s programs in supporting local agriculture, youth education, and community engagement.

The highlight of the event was the ribbon cutting ceremony, which symbolized the official opening of the new office space. Community members, leaders, and Extension staff gathered for the occasion, marking a new chapter for the OSU Extension Highland County.

The Open House provided an opportunity for attendees to tour the new facilities, engage with Extension staff, and learn more about the diverse range of programs and services offered. From agricultural support to 4-H youth programs and community development initiatives, the Extension office is poised to make a meaningful impact in Highland County.

For more information about the OSU Extension Highland County and its programs, please visit our website at www.highland.osu.edu or feel free to contact our office at 937-393-1918.

Cloverbud Days during the Fair
Calling all Cloverbud 4-H members, please join the Highland Co. Jr. Leadership Club in the Junior Fair FCS Building for a fun time at the 2024 Highland County Fair on:
Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 2-3 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 10-11 a.m.
Come to one day or both, there will be different activities and games to participate in each day!

Check In for Projects displayed Jr. Fair Building
All Jr. Fair & 4-H Special Interest (crops, garden, flowers, farm shop, & photography) exhibits must be entered and/or confirmed on Saturday, Aug. 31st, from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Please do not wait until the last minute!
Booth setup in the Jr. Fair Building is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 30th, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 31st, from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Set Up in the Jr. Fair 4-H/FCS Building
Decorating and placing projects in the Jr. Fair FCS Building and is Friday, Aug 30th, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 31st, from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. You will need to verify that everyone in your club has displayed their project. Let Danielle Combs know by Sunday at noon if a club member did not exhibit. Each club will receive a packet at set up that will show project grades for the advisors to use when placing ribbons on projects. Club premiums should be available for pickup in October.

All projects must be in place in the Jr. Fair 4-H/ FCS Building by 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31st, 2024.

Jr. Fair Building/Jr. Fair FCS Building Guard Schedules
The Jr. Fair and FCS Building Guard Schedules for the fair are attached.

Call the OSU Extension Office at 937-393-1918 to schedule your guard time.

On behalf of the Senior Fair Board: Wrist bands must be worn to enter the fairgrounds. No one will be admitted to the fair if they attempt to just show a wrist band. It must be on the wrist and fastened appropriately.
All Jr. Fair Exhibitors and Advisors must have a Junior Fair pass. Passes can be purchased at the Senior Fair Board Office on the fairgrounds by organizational advisors ONLY. Passes must be picked up prior to August 30th, 2024. No one will be admitted into the fair to pick up their pass without paying the admission fee.