Monsanto, Warden pitch in to help rural poor

WARDEN - It's that time of year again. As the winds begin to whip up, snowflakes start blanketing the ground and the mercury drops in the thermometer, the contents of food kitchens' shelves overflow with donations from the community.

Or at least that's what workers from Warden's branch of the Monsanto Company spent time doing last Tuesday and tomorrow working to feed the rural homeless in the community as a part of a nationwide effort to stock pantries for the holidays.

The group represents only part of the 40 locations throughout the nation that volunteered for what they called "Rural Hunger Week." Local volunteers took part by donating their time at the Warden Food Pantry.

"There are millions of rural families that simply don't know where their next meal will come from," Monsanto's Global Volunteer Program Manager Brenda Cockrell said. "As a company with deep roots in rural America, we are committed to helping address this issue."

A half dozen of Monsanto's employees spent last Tuesday handing food out to locals in need: everything from oatmeal, stuffing and canned goods to baby food. More than 50 boxes of food were handed out during the day with more along the way.

"The families in Warden are hungry. We have a lot of families who are needy," volunteer Marion Maher said. "Every week new people come in, and that indicates that the need is still there in the community."

"It's very rewarding to help the community and reach out," said Bob Bainsky, a volunteer from Moses Lake. He said that almost everyone in the plant volunteered over the three days. Bernie Velazquez, of Othello, volunteered twice to help out in Warden's pantry.

"I wish I could bring my kids here so they can see this," he said as he hoisted boxes of donated food to the needy. "It's definitely a lesson for children. Anyone who needs food, we'd be happy to help them."

The company coordinated events from Hawaii to Massachusetts, a release said, with focus on getting food to the rural poor. "By mobilizing employees across the country, Monsanto hopes to make a real impact while bringing the issue of rural hunger into people's consciousness this holiday season," officials said.

The company made the push to raise awareness of hunger in rural areas. In addition to Rural Hunger Week, Monsanto is also involved in many other efforts to combat hunger, including other food drives and partnerships with dozens of other food banks throughout the nation.

"Monsanto is continuing to develop tools for farmers that help them get the most from their land, but the company recognizes that production is only part of the solution," said Stephanie Miller, an associate with the company. "That is why the company is working to raise awareness about rural hunger in America. It is going to take collaboration and people willing to lend a helping hand to get food on the tables of those who need it."

And Warden's employees have more than rolled up their sleeves. By donating their time, energy and foodstuffs, dozens of families will have food on their tables for Thanksgiving.

"We have a few more boxes to give out. We don't have too many left," Maher said. "But if people come and they're hungry, we always give them food." Maher oversees the Warden food pantry, which is ran by four community churches. About 200 families come through each year to accept donations.