Businesses boost food pantry here

Talk about it

In a neck-and-neck race, three area companies competed to gather the most items for the Salvation Army Food Pantry in Jamestown.

Together, Cavendish Farms and Goodrich Cargo Systems, both of Jamestown, and Cargill Malt, of Spiritwood, gathered 2,811 pounds of food and necessities.

“If people would do challenges throughout the year… our food pantry would stay full,” said Lt. Teresa Brecto of the Salvation Army.

Cavendish brought in the most items by weight, with 1,409 pounds, but Cargill brought in the most per employee — an average of 7.1 pounds for every one of its 90 workers.

The pantry requires about 2,000 to 5,000 pounds of food and other products each month to keep up with demand, Brecto said.

The idea for the competition came from Cargill, which also had some internal challenging between its departments, said Connie Sova, a Cargill employee.

At Cavendish, the first week of the contest was slow, but after a reminder was sent to all the employees, suddenly everyone was rushing to meet the deadline, said Becky Kercher, a Cavendish employee.

The companies also saw people from outside their businesses assisting with the food drive.

“There’s a lot of people in our communities that really helped,” said Amie Romsdal, a Goodrich employee.

Some of the items from the three companies may be used in the 175 Christmas baskets the Salvation Army will give out to families this year. Some of it won’t.

Some of the people who use the pantry are homeless, some people are in crisis and some have been struck with unexpected major expenses, such as a car repair or a massive medical bill, Brecto said.

Though the three companies’ donations were substantial, more items will be needed as the holiday season approaches, particularly things that can’t be purchased with food stamps, including personal hygiene products, diapers, wipes, shampoo, hand soap and sanitizer and razors.

Sun reporter Kari Lucin can be reached at 701-952-8453

or by email at

klucin@ jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, news, food, pantry