ODA Hosts Second Annual Supermarket Showdown

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and The Kroger Co. celebrated Ohio Agriculture Month with the second annual supermarket showdown event to promote locally grown and made products.

Local celebrity shoppers raced through the aisles of the Kroger Marketplace in Perrysburg, filling their shopping carts with as many Ohio Proud products as possible within four minutes. All items collected during the race are being donated by Kroger's Columbus Division to Tim's Rescue Kitchen to help feed hungry neighbors.

"This event truly uplifts the importance of supporting local farmers and producers," said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. "Ohio's agriculture communities work every day to bring quality food to our tables. Thank you to our partners at Kroger for playing a critical role providing fresh, quality food to our neighbors who need it most."

A total of $12,627 in food was collected: $11,427 from the shopping challenge and $1,200 in pork products was donated by the Ohio Pork Council. The winning team in today's Supermarket Showdown was The Kroger Co. team that collected $2,119 in groceries.

Ohio Proud products can be found in nearly all grocery stores across Ohio, locally owned shops, and farmers markets. The membership program through ODA showcases food and agricultural products that are at least 50% grown, raised, or processed in the Buckeye State. Ohio Proud helps small businesses thrive in a marketplace like Kroger, which serves 11 million customers daily.

"As Ohio's local grocery store, Kroger is proud to be part of the state's largest industry, food and agriculture," said Jon Young, President of Kroger's Columbus Division. "Our associates work every day to serve our customers and feed our hungry neighbors and when we can partner with organizations like the Ohio Department of Agriculture and community leaders to do both, we are making a difference for all Ohioans."

During the month of March, ODA encourages all Ohioans to recognize our farmers, food processors, agricultural businesses, and industry for Ohio Agriculture Month.

From those tending fields to those involved in our restaurant industry, 1 in 8 Ohioans are employed in the agricultural community that serves us with dedication and care. More than 200 different crops and livestock are grown and raised in Ohio, providing families with food, fuel, and fiber.

Video and interviews, are available from the event.