Supermarket Sweep replenishes pantry shelves
Published 12:13 pm Thursday, June 18, 2009
By Staff
CASSOPOLIS – More than 50 people representing 17 local businesses and organizations gathered June 9 at Martin's Supermarket in Niles.
Some donned costumes while others decorated their carts, but all were there to generate much-needed supplies for the food pantry programs of the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency.
Midwest Energy Cooperative brought it all together in its inaugural Supermarket Sweep event, a spirited, competitive "food raiser" designed to help families in need in southwest Michigan.
Three-person teams from each participating business/organization were provided with a grocery list of items and given five minutes to "sweep" the store to see which team could gather the most.
Each team paid a $50 entry fee and that money, along with all groceries gathered, was donated to the pantry.
Participating teams included Indiana Michigan Power, Mechanicsburg 4-H Club, B100, MSU Extension, Creative Vinyl Signs, Kemner-Iott Agency, Cass County Family Court, Edward Lowe Foundation (three teams), Dowagiac Fire Department, Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union, Dowagiac City Hall, WAOR, WRBR, SMC, and Red Star Auction. WRBR won the award for gathering the most items and the Dowagiac Fire Department won the "People's Choice" award for best cart decoration.
"Families in southwest Michigan are struggling, and the food pantries are having a difficult time keeping up. We appreciate the support of Martin's in offering a venue, and thank all of our great teams for their enthusiastic participation," said Nicole Barfell, Midwest Energy Cooperative's community development specialist.
Patty Nowlin
Director of Communications
Midwest Energy Cooperative
P.O. Box 127
Cassopolis, MI 49031
269-445-1079