ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- The Community Foundation of Elkhart County announced it has awarded a $10,000 grant to the Church Community Services Food Pantry, due to a donation from 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County.

The funds will support key infrastructure improvements and equipment purchases to better serve families in need throughout the county

“These improvements will directly impact the way we serve our neighbors in need,” said Michael Downing, director of the pantry. “We’re deeply grateful to 100 Women Who Care and the Community Foundation for recognizing our mission and helping us continue this important work.”

Improvements needed include rewiring the cooler to improve energy efficiency and safety, installing a new 40-foot freezer to expand food storage capacity, and optimizing the facility’s 40,000-watt generator to protect against food losses during power outages.

Officials with Church Community Services Food Pantry say they serve over 1,400 families each month, and in 2023, they served over 17,000 in total.

The grant will also fund the purchase of a motorized pallet jack, to help reduce physical strain on the pantry’s senior volunteers

The pantry was one of three nonprofits nominated for the grant by 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County and was voted to be the grant recipient at their April 8 meeting.