MVEC holding food drive for area food pantries

     Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) is holding a food drive during the month of March to collect donations for area food pantries. The Anamosa-based electric and internet cooperative is joining forces with Franklin (Hampton, Iowa) and Farmers (Greenfield, Iowa) RECs to hold the drive in multiple locations throughout rural Iowa.

   MVEC is collecting donations from employees, cooperative members, and the public through March 31 at the following locations in the cooperative’s service territory:

   • Monticello Fareway, 433 N. Farley St., Monticello

   • MVEC Headquarters, 109 N. Huber St., Anamosa

   Donations will be made to food pantries in Delaware, Dubuque, Jackson and Jones counties. The following are items that are in highest demand:

   • Canned fish and meat

   • Dry pasta

   • Pasta sauces

   • Macaroni and cheese

   • Peanut butter

   • Canned or dry soups

   • Oatmeal and healthy cereal

   • Kids’ snack items

   • Toilet paper

   • Diapers, baby wipes

   • Feminine hygiene products

   • Toothpaste

   • Shampoo

   “As a cooperative, MVEC abides by seven principles, one of which is ‘Concern for Community,’” said Jeremy Richert, MVEC CEO. “This food drive is just one example of how our organization and our employees give back to the communities we serve. We recognize that with high grocery prices, food insecurity is a challenge that many face and we wanted to do our part to help fill this need.”