Wheatland Electric is ready to POWER THE PANTRY in 2023 with a $50,000 commitment to one dozen local food banks across southwest and central Kansas!  

2023 is a special year for Wheatland Electric. Not only does it mark the cooperative’s 75th anniversary but also 10 years since start of their annual food drive–CRAM THE VAN–to support local food banks. 

Starting in 2014, cooperative—employees, trustees, volunteers, and co-op members alike—have all pitched in to cram our BIG RED VAN with food donations for the communities. 

This year, in lieu of traveling and hosting in-person events across the service territory, they are committing $50,000 total to 12 food banks that power the communities served. This includes the Community Food Bank of Barton County. 

Cram the Van has played a special part in Concern for Community, their Seventh Cooperative Principle, over the past decade. As their campaign and the outpouring from communities has grown bigger and better, the focus this year is to maximize the impact through the dollars dedicated to our food drive. 

In addition to the $50,000 commitment, the cooperative is also actively working to raise monetary funds through an online donation drive, sponsorships at their fifth annual Co-ops Care Charity Golf Tournament on Sept. 15, and additional contributions from vendors, local businesses, and other community partners. All proceeds raised will directly benefit the food banks in the communities served ahead of this holiday season. 

In addition to these efforts, students across Great Bend private schools and USD 428 will also be collecting canned goods and other non-perishable food items for a friendly school competition during Oct. 16-20. Donors are encouraged to check expiration dates, and no bottled water will be weighed as part of a school’s weight total. In addition, bulk items that are not individually packaged (e.g., large bags of beans or rice) are discouraged. 

The four schools with the most weight in items collected will win prize money totaling $1,5000, generously made available by the Gifting Forward Foundation.

Cooperative members can power their local pantry, too, by making a monetary donation at our local Wheatland office, 200 10th St., or by making a quick and easy donation online at www.weci.net. 

As a “thank-you” all individual donors will be entered to win $500 for every $20 donated now through Nov. 1. Donors can specify one of one dozen food banks as part of this year’s campaign that they wish to direct their donation to. Questions? memberservices@weci.net