Menard Electric Cooperative General Manager Alisha Anker recently presented a $1,000 donation to Athens Area Food Pantry Board members and volunteers as part of CoBank’s Sharing Success Program. In the photo from left are Linda Pedigo, Susan Brune, Alisha Anker, Jodee Homer, Pennie Robinson and Sandy Foulk.

Menard Electric is a member of CoBank, a cooperative lending facility, who matched donations from Menard Electric Cooperative to charitable organizations chosen by the co-op’s Board of Directors.

“The food pantry contacted us for assistance from the Sharing Success program with CoBank shortly after it became evident the global pandemic was not a myth. We are pleased to be able to provide them some support as they have endured to support our local communities,” says Anker.

The donation will be used to supplement a decrease in local community donation drives due to the COVID-19 outbreak. As a partner agency of the Central Illinois Food Bank, Athens Area Food Pantry can purchase items at discounted prices, when available. The pantry serves families in the Athens #213 School District. Volunteers were preparing to distribute prepared boxes of foods to participants who remain in their vehicles; just one way the pantry has adapted in order to continue to serve. It is open the third Saturday of each month 8:30-10:30 a.m. and the following Monday 5:00-7:00 p.m.