MOUNT VERNON – Ten area churches, food pantries and similar nonprofits have received a combined $25,000 thanks to the long-running Food For The Hungry (FFTH) campaign.
Samantha Scoles, FFTH president, said in a news release the funds covered a number of items needed during the pandemic and were not used exclusively for food.
“We all feel blessed to have the opportunity to help those on the front lines fighting food insecurity with these specific tangible necessities that otherwise would remain on a wish list in order to purchase food,” Scoles said.
The recipients of the $25,000 grant were Overcomers Christian Church, $6,000; First Congregational UCC Hot Meals, $4,000; Central Christian Food Pantry, $3,500; Acts Food Pantry, $3,200; Knox Learning Center, $2,100; Apostolic Christian Church, $1,500; Church on the Rise, $1,500; Mount Vernon Farmers Market, $1,500; Mobility Management of Knox County, $1,000; and CHOMP, $700.
The release stated CHOMP serves grilled food and offers free, fresh produce for families.
Two other charities, The Salvation Army and Interchurch Social Services, each received $10,000 separately from the above grants, the release said. The Salvation Army’s endowment will enable it to continue helping the needy with rent and utilities, while Interchurch Social Services will use its portion to support thrift stores in Danville, Fredericktown and Centerburg.
FFTH Executive Director Lisa Mazarri stated in the release that generous community donations enabled the grants.
“No gift is too small when working together to care for our neighbors!” she said. “Many thanks, Knox County, you are amazing!”
