SALISBURY - Rowan County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Kathy B. Dudley announced that the Rowan County FSA office is working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to participate in the fourth-annual Feds Feed Families Food Drive.

The Feds Feed Families Food Drive is a national effort that started in 2009 to help food banks and pantries stay stocked during the summer months. During the summer, food banks and pantries usually experience lower levels of donations and a higher demand for assistance.

The food drive started on June 11 and ends on Aug. 31.

This year USDA was challenged to raise more than 1.8 million pounds of food to contribute to the national goal. Last year, USDA employees donated 1.79 million pounds of the total 5.79 million pounds of food donated.

"In order to step up last year's efforts and meet our goal, we need help from the community," said Dudley."All donations received in Rowan County will benefit the Rowan Helping Ministries" she said.

If you would like to join the national effort to fight hunger, there is a donation drop box located at 2727 Old Concord Road in Salisbury.

For more information on how you can participate, contact the Rowan County USDA Service Center at 704-637-1602, ext. 2.