NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release

June 10, 2010

Contact: Frank Sykes, 513-265-4335, Mayor Larry Mulligan, Jr 513-258-7284

FRESH PRODUCE PURCHASES TO HELP LOCAL FOOD BANKS

Buy fresh fruits and vegetables at “Farmer Franks” on June 18-20, 2010, between 10 am and 6 pm, and a portion of your purchase price will be used to benefit Shared Harvest and other Middletown area food banks.

The farmers’ market is located in the parking lot of Towne Mall, at State Route 122 and I-75. The market features world famous “Black Diamond” watermelons, South Carolina tree ripened peaches, Grainger County Kentucky tomatoes and other local and regional produce. 

“Farmer Frank” Sykes the owner and operator of a local farm and farmers’ market in Middletown, Ohio joined Middletown’s Mayor Lawrence Mulligan to announce the  benefit weekend.

“In these difficult economic times, it is encouraging to see local businesses doing something special to help the less fortunate,” said Mayor Mulligan. 

Tina Osso, executive director of the Shared Harvest Food Bank commented that the proceeds from the sale will help many families in Southwest Ohio, in and around Middletown.  Shared Harvest provides direct support to many of the food pantries in Middletown and the surrounding area.  “This support will help keep our local food pantries stocked at a time when many low income parents are scrambling to feed their children now home for meals they would have normally eaten at school.”

This is the first event in the area that provides direct support to local families from a farmer’s market.

To kick off the event which is expected to raise $5,000, Mayor Mulligan and Farmer Frank will be on hand for a media preview Tuesday, June 15 at 10 am, complete with samples.