‘Farm 2 Table’ Celebrates Successful 2026 Fair Season
Harvest of Hope delivers locally sourced ‘Farm 2 Table’ meat to area food pantries and community meal sites.
Washington County - Some of the best things in a community happen when people who have been doing good work separately realize how much more they can accomplish together. That is the story of ‘Farm 2 Table.’
What began in 2020 as a grassroots effort among local community leaders has continued to grow, bringing farmers, fair exhibitors, businesses, donors, community leaders, food pantries, and community members together around one shared goal: helping provide fresh meat to families in Washington County.
A Successful 2026 Fair Season
For the first time, ‘Farm 2 Table’ was included as an option on buyers' cards at the Washington County fairs, giving fair buyers the opportunity to direct their purchases toward the program and help provide locally raised meat to families in need.
That opportunity was met with incredible generosity. Fair buyers at the Waterford and Washington County fairs came together to purchase livestock that will provide approximately 300 pounds of lamb, 3,000 pounds of ground beef, and 3,450 pounds of sausage for food pantries throughout Washington County.
Marietta Community Foundation and the dedicated ‘Farm 2 Table’ committee are grateful to the many businesses, organizations, individuals, and community partners who helped make this year's efforts possible: American Flags and Poles, Cawley Hospice, Continuum Partners LLC, Crone Accounting LLC, Edward Jones, Mary Segrest Financial Advisor, Goshen Run Farms, Hickory Grove Country Market, Kevin Ritter, Ohio State Representative, Law Office of Gene Hollins, Lisk Lawn Care, LLC, McCutcheon Farms, Morrison, Inc., Patterson Rentals, Pioneer Group, PowerFlo Solutions, R.C. & Son Construction, River Cities Financial Services, Eddie Place, Washington County Commissioner, Staley Countryside Meat Company & Market, Talen Energy, Tim & Joan Offenberger, The Wayne Outfitters, Washington County Commissioners, Wetz Warehouse, Wood Heating and Air Conditioning, and 740 Meat Processing.
The livestock purchased through ‘Farm 2 Table’ is processed locally by Staley Countryside Meat LLC, with Harvest of Hope handling distribution to food pantries throughout Washington County. “Through our partnership with ‘Farm 2 Table’, we have distributed several thousand pounds of meat to food pantries and community meal sites since the end of August, and we're not done yet,” said Shannon Boone, Executive Director of Washington County Harvest of Hope. “The recipients at these sites have been so thankful for ‘Farm 2 Table’ and those donating to its cause.”
More Than a Fair Season
While the Washington County fair season has been instrumental for ‘Farm 2 Table’, the work does not end there.
The program operates year-round, and local farmers can donate livestock directly to ‘Farm 2 Table’ at any time. Those donations help keep the program moving and continue the connection between local agriculture and local families long after the fair season ends.
Marietta Community Foundation also accepts donations throughout the year to help cover the processing costs that make the program possible. Every contribution helps turn a local donation into food that can ultimately reach families in need across the community.
And that is what makes ‘Farm 2 Table’ special. It is not one person, one organization, or one event making a difference. It is farmers raising livestock, young people showing animals at the fair, buyers choosing to give back, businesses and individuals helping cover costs, local processors doing the work, food pantries getting the meat into the hands of families, and community leaders bringing it all together.
It is a community effort in every sense of the word, and it is proof of what can happen when we find ways to work together.
To learn more about ‘Farm 2 Table’ or make a contribution toward processing costs, visit mcfohio.org/farm-2-table.
Since its founding, Marietta Community Foundation has served as a trusted philanthropic partner, helping individuals, families, and organizations turn generosity into lasting impact. Powered by the strength of local giving, MCF has awarded more than $37 million in grants and scholarships—supporting nonprofits, empowering students, and enriching communities across Washington County. Today, with over $78 million in assets and more than 400 funds, the Foundation continues to connect people, passion, and purpose to build a stronger, more vibrant future. Learn more at www.mcfohio.org.
