BUSINESS NEWS
Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc.’s (WEC) Cram the Van program has already started to POWER THE PANTRY in 2025 with a $500 grant from the Grain Belt Express Community Grant Program.
As part of Grain Belt Express’s (GBE) commitment to the communities impacted by new transmission line projects, GBE provides one-time grant opportunities on a first-come, first-served basis to a select number of organizations along the route in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.
In response to growing food insecurity in Barton County, community relations field representative Ron Gillett presented a donation to WEC late last month to support local hunger relief efforts. Ruth Behrens, president of the Community Food Bank of Barton County, emphasized the urgent need for assistance, noting that the contribution comes at a critical time. “Resources are pretty limited this time of year, and we are continuing to serve more families than ever before,” she said. The funding will help replenish essential food supplies.
About Cram the Van
Every fall since 2014, Wheatland Electric has hosted community gatherings, school competitions, and other events to collect donations for local food banks across our service territory. The annual food drive is coined “Cram the Van” thanks to their signature fleet vehicle: a red, extended passenger van used to collect and deliver donations.
Over the past eleven years, and thanks to the generosity of the communities they serve, Wheatland has been able to facilitate the collection of 427,980 pounds of food or more than 214 tons ($1 = 1 lb.) for local food banks across southwest and central Kansas. All contributions are directed or delivered to the community food bank selected by the donor. For more information, visit www.weci.net/cram-van-food-drive.