(SEDALIA, Mo.) – The Missouri State Fair collected nearly six tons of canned food, which is distributed to those in need.

Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe announced that this collection topped last year’s total by more than 2 1/2 tons.

“Contributing to the increase is the Ford Super Duty F-250 Canstruction exhibit built with nearly 7,000 cans,” said Wolfe. “This impressive exhibit will be on display through Aug. 19 in the Agriculture Building, with the cans then going to the Missouri Food Bank Association (MFBA).”

The food collection effort was initiated in June at Ford dealerships across Missouri. Ford dealers delivered their summer canned good collection to the fairgrounds Tuesday, while Missouri Farmers Care collected food coming in Centennial Gate.

“Thanks to the collection efforts we can provide almost 11,000 meals with the Missouri State Fair’s contribution,” said MFBA director Scott Baker.

Supporting the food drive were Midwest Ford Dealers, the St. Louis Ford Dealers, Missouri Farmers Care, Bings Grocery Stores of Sedalia, Canstruction Mid-Missouri of Columbia-Jefferson City, project engineer Patrick Earney of Trabue, Hansen & Hinshaw, Inc. of Columbia, and fairgoers.

The 2012 Missouri State Fair runs through Sunday, Aug. 19. For more information, visit www.mostatefair.com, or call 1-800-422-FAIR (3247).