Supermarket Sweep Competition returns

MT. PLEASANT — To celebrate National AG Week, Henry County Farm Bureau will host their second annual Supermarket Sweep Competition Thursday, March 21 at the Mt. Pleasant Hy-Vee.

This year, National Agriculture Week is March 17-23 and focuses on celebrating and acknowledging the importance of the agriculture industry and its role in daily life and the economy.

“We give thanks to the industry that is not only a source of food, fiber, and renewable products, but stable jobs and careers,” Henry County Farm Bureau Outreach Coordinator Sarah Seitz said. “Today, one farmer feeds 144 people compared to 25 people in the 1960s.”

In celebration of the way farmers feed America, Seitz excitedly announced Henry Farm Bureau’s second Annual Supermarket Sweep which will help feed people right here in Henry County.

“We are encouraging local businesses to round up a team of three to shop until you drop, and then give it all away to The Fellowship Cup,” Henry County Farm Bureau Outreach Coordinator Sarah Seitz said, announcing the event.

The event will consist of teams of three shopping the aisles of Hy-Vee and collecting the closest to $250 (over or under) worth of groceries in only five minutes. The team with the amount closest to $250 will win the traveling shopping cart trophy.

Last year, Beck’s Hybrid walked away as the very first Henry County Farm Bureau Supermarket Sweep winner and took home the traveling trophy. Will they be able to defend their title?

The fun is multiplied as teams are encouraged to decorate their carts, wear matching shirts, and fully represent as they dash through the store collecting items which will then be donated to The Fellowship Cup.

Not only do decorations add to the festivities, but in the end, teams could also walk away with the title of “Best Decorated Cart,” or “Greatest Grabber.”

With Farm Bureau Financial earning Best Decorated Cart last year, there is sure to be plenty of flare at the competition.

Last year’s Greatest Grabber, Two River’s Bank, set a lofty goal with $314 for those wishing to nab the title at this year’s event.

After rushing through the store collecting their donations and doing some quick number crunching, teams are then invited to enjoy tea, lemonade, and cookies as they wait to see who dominated in the Supermarket Sweep Competition.

Last year with only five business participants, the event raised over $1,200 worth of grocery items to donated to the Fellowship Cup.

According to Seitz, after last year’s competition, she heard from many businesses that they couldn’t wait for their chance to participate in the Supermarket Sweep Competition next year, and now is their chance.

Those wanting to register a team or receive more information can contact henry.county@ifbf.org or fill out the form at https://forms.office.com/r/dnwq9n7mYU

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com