HANDUP HEADLINES:
Front row (L-R): Karen English, volunteer; Barbara Neuhard, volunteer
Back row: Edward Cole, volunteer; Rich Romejko, volunteer; Doug Diven, HandUP President; John Wolfe, Manager of Human Resources at ConAgra; Keith English, Food Bank Director; Bill Wilhelm, Administrative Director at HandUP. Food Bank Volunteers not pictured: Richard Divers; Linda Weed
ConAgra Grant Helps HandUP Foundation Expand Food Initiatives
The Milton Food Bank at the HandUP Foundation received a $23,000 Nourish Our Community Grant from the ConAgra Food Foundation to expand and enrich food programs for families in need. The employee generated grant was initiated by John Wolfe, Human Resource Manager at the Milton plant. Kathy Shaffer, Director of Development at HandUP, shares “John’s interest in making a difference in ConAgra’s own back yard made this gift happen. It was a real example of how each of us can impact our community, even through our professional lives. We are very grateful for his interest in connecting ConAgra with HandUP and to ConAgra for their partnership in fighting hunger in our area.” ConAgra has been a generous partner to the Milton Food Bank for several years, also donating canned goods to be given to families each month.
The grant will be used to purchase a walk-in cooler and to add a loft for more storage in the existing Food Bank. These improvements will make it possible for the Milton Food Bank at HandUP to increase the quality and quantity of food provided to families each month. Having the cooler will allow the Food Bank to store additional produce between distribution days and to add dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt to the selection when they are available. Keith English, Food Bank Director, told us, “The extra space is going to make it so much easier to serve our families.” Keith and his team of seven dedicated volunteers have been working together to serve up to 400 families a year. Additional volunteers from area churches, schools, and organizations are always welcome to lend a hand.
10th Anniversary Quilt Presentation
(L-R) Doug Diven, Bill Wilhelm, Yvonne Coup.
The human spirit is strong and resilient. Sometimes we just need to break a cycle, get through a crisis, or change direction. Knowing that someone is on your side can make a difference.
