The annual shamrock campaign at Fareway supermarkets raised a record $164,70 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the group reported.

That is the highest amount raised through the shamrock program during the 25-plus year history of the partnership between MDA and Fareway.

From Feb. 25 to March 16, customers at Fareway stores could buy a paper shamrock for a donation of $1 or more to the MDA. The shamrocks were signed by the customers and were displayed in the stores.

“Once again, Fareway retailers, their customers, and employees have gone above and beyond to make a meaningful difference for people whose everyday freedoms – walking, talking and even breathing — have been taken away by neuromuscular diseases,” Brette Dowson, the development director for MDA of Iowa, said in a written statement.

Fareway has stores in Fort Dodge, Eagle Grove, Algona, Webster City, Humboldt and other area communities.