From Wheatland Electric
Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WEC) is once again putting its Concern for Community principle into action with the launch of its 2026 Power the Pantry campaign and a $50,000 commitment to a dozen local food pantries across its southwest and central Kansas service territory.
This year, donors will also have the chance to win the Americana Backyard Bundle, a prize package valued at more than $700, featuring a 36-inch, four-burner Blackstone Outdoor Griddle, 32-quart ultra-light RTIC cooler, handcrafted wooden American flag, and classic stripe apron.
Since launching its community food drive in 2014, WEC and its members, employees, trustees, business partners, and communities have worked together to help fight hunger locally. Through those collective efforts, the cooperative has helped generate more than 279 tons (558,183 pounds) of food and monetary donations for local food pantries.
In 2023, WEC expanded its commitment by pledging $50,000 annually to 12 local food pantries and challenging its members and communities to help double that impact. The response has continued to grow. In 2025, Power the Pantry raised a record-breaking $130,203 in cash and food donations—equal to more than 65 tons ($1 = 1 lb. of food) of food for neighbors in need.
“Concern for Community is our seventh Cooperative Principle, but Power the Pantry is about putting that principle into action,” said Alli Conine, WEC’s director of member services and corporate communications. “Behind every dollar we raise is a meal for a family, food on the table for a child, or support for a neighbor going through a difficult time. That’s the real impact of this campaign, and it’s why our members and communities continue to rally behind it year after year.”
In 2026, WEC is once again working to build on its initial $50,000 donation and reach at least $100,000 through online and member donations, the eighth annual Co-ops Care Charity Golf Tournament on Sept. 25, the Great Bend Schools Competition and Cardinals Care Challenge, and support from vendors, local businesses, and other community partners. Funds raised will directly benefit participating local food pantries across WEC's service territory.
Co-op members and community supporters can contribute in person at their local WEC office or donate online at weci.net/power-the-pantry. Donors can designate their gift to any of the 12 participating local food pantries.
As a special thank-you, every $20 donated by Nov. 5, 2026, earns one entry into the drawing for the Americana Backyard Bundle. The more you give, the more entries you earn—and 100% of each donation goes directly to the donor's designated local food pantry.
For more information about Power the Pantry, to make a donation, or to learn how to support the campaign as a community partner, visit weci.net/power-the-pantry or email memberservices@weci.net.
About Power the Pantry
Since 2014, WEC has united communities across its service territory to collect donations for area food banks every fall. Formerly coined Cram the Van, the initiative has now garnered over 279 tons (558,183 pounds) of food and monetary donations for families across southwest and central Kansas. All contributions are directed to the food bank chosen by the donor. For more information visit www.weci.net/power-the-pantry.
About Wheatland Electric
Delivering Energy for Life–Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc., is a member-owned distribution cooperative headquartered in Scott City, Kansas. Established in 1948, WEC today serves more than 33,000 electric meters in 14 Kansas counties and three Colorado counties, maintaining over 4,500 miles of distribution power lines across western, southcentral Kansas and eastern Colorado. Together, with the help of our members, WEC is committed to building a better and stronger rural America. Visit www.weci.net for more information.