Members of the Lehigh County Farm Bureau, along with members from neighboring farm bureaus including Bucks, Montgomery and Northampton/Monroe raised $20,058 for the two Ronald McDonald Houses in Philadelphia in celebration of Food Check Out Week.

This special week recognizes farmers deeply care about growing and raising healthy food for consumers.

During the event at Freddie Hill Farms, Lansdale, the food and money were presented to former Eagles General Manager Jim Murray, representing Ronald McDonald House.

Across the state, more than $58,000 in donations were collected.

Pennsylvania farmers have collected more than $896,000 for the Ronald McDonald Houses over the past 16 years.

The Houses help reduce some of the emotional and financial stress on families with sick children, and can be especially helpful for families living in rural communities who must commute long distances to be with their children at specialized hospitals.

A room at the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia now bears the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau name in appreciation of the continued support the farmers have shown.