Food Pantry Emerges Victorious in WKVI Sports Bet

WKVI Sports Director Nathan Welter, Community Services of Starke County Food Pantry Director Rhonda Overmyer and WKVI News Director Mary Perren
WKVI Sports Director Nathan Welter, Community Services of Starke County Food Pantry Director Rhonda Overmyer and WKVI News Director Mary Perren

Starke County residents who need a hand up are the big winners in the good-natured bet between WKVI’s Nathan Welter and Mary Perren over the outcome of the recent Knox v. North Judson-San Pierre football game. Since Nathan is a graduate and Knox and they lost, part of his payoff was hosting an hour-long food drive at Heartland Markets in North Judson. Manager Ray Wadja kept a donation can at the register as well for a week afterward.

Food Pantry Donations 2
Community Services of Starke County Food Pantry Director Rhonda Overmyer made a welcome sign for the payoff of the WKVI sports bet.

Thanks to all who gave everything from canned vegetables and cereal to spare change and singles, Welter and Perren presented a combined $170 worth of food (based on weight) and money to the Community Services of Starke County Food Pantry.

Director Rhonda Overmyer says patrons are allowed one documented visit per month and are given an allotment of items based on the size of their family. This month alone she says they’ve already served about eight to 10 first-time visitors.

“We want everyone who walks through our doors to regain their dignity,” Overmyer said.

The most-needed items in the food pantry include boxed cereals, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, laundry soap, toilet paper, toothpaste and other personal care items like diapers and feminine hygiene products that can’t be purchased with food stamps.

Monetary donations also allow the food pantry to buy bulk items at a low cost through the Food Bank of Northern Indiana.

Adcock says they also need a few volunteers to help staff the food pantry. If you would like to help, call 574-772-7070.