Freeborn County Farm Bureau is recognizing March as Food Awareness Month.

Food Awareness Month was created to bring awareness to all things food — from the farmers who grow and raise our food, to food safety and availability, according to a press release.

“Farm Bureau’s Food Awareness Month aims to help American consumers learn about the food they eat every day,” said Pete Bakken, Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Promotion and Education Committee chairman. “Minnesota farmers and ranchers take pride in ensuring nutritious, safe food choices for Minnesota families.”

To mark the occasion, Freeborn County Farm Bureau made a $500 donation to the Salvation Army Food Shelf in Albert Lea.

With this donation, the food shelf will also receive a matching donation from the state of Minnesota which will in turn help provide close to 500 meals to residents in Freeborn County.

“Farmers are committed to providing safe and nutritious food choices for all Americans,” said Freeborn County Farm Bureau President Tony Dahl. “As Farm Bureau members, we want to visit with consumers about our shared goal of nutritious and affordable meals for our families.”