July, 2015. R.D. Offutt Company and Lamb Weston-RDO Frozen teamed up to turn french fries into funding for a local youth agriculture program. For the second consecutive year, the two companies sponsored “Fries for 4-H,” an annual fundraising event at the Hubbard County Fair, donating 100% of the funds raised to Hubbard County 4-H.
2015 marked the first year for the event which raised more than $2,000 to directly benefit area youth. This year, the group exceeded that goal by 37%, raising nearly $2,800 in fry sales.
“We are grateful to R.D. Offutt Company and Lamb Weston-RDO Frozen for once again helping local 4-H youth learn about agriculture through active participation in the 4-H program,” said Mari Jo Lohmeier, Program Coordinator for Hubbard County 4-H. “Our 4-H youth and parents helped out at the booth, serving delicious french fries locally grown and produced right here in the Park Rapids area.”
“Our companies are very interested in supporting agricultural education in our local community. As aformer 4H’er myself, I have firsthand experience with the values gained by participation in this organization,” said Mic Ryan, Plant Manager for Lamb Weston-RDO Frozen.
“4-H was a huge part of my youth. I was able to get involved with agriculture and am still involved with agriculture today,” said Wayne Warmbold, Midwest Regional Farm Manager for R.D. Offutt Company. “4-H continues to have a positive influence on the youth of today and educating them on where their food comes from.”
For only $1.00 each, fairgoers enjoyed nearly 3,000 generous servings of locally grown and produced french fries hot from the fryer.
“This was truly a community event, starting with our own farm and plant team members, right up to the great youth and parent volunteers who sold french fries like professionals”, said Anne Struthers, Communications Director for R.D. Offutt Company.
