NORWICH – Winter is upon us, and with gasoline and heating costs increasing all the time, there are many in Chenango County who have to choose between buying gas and buying food. Many of Chenango County’s food pantries see an increased number of consumers in the winter months, and Catholic Charities wants to make sure that there is always food available for those in need, so last week they reintroduced a competition challenging businesses to compete to see who could collect the most food.
Last week’s Shopping Cart Challenge pitted the Raymond Corporation, with a total of nearly 1,000 employees, against Community Workshop Shelter ARC, with a total of only 300 employees. Shopping carts were placed in the lobbies of each business, and employees were challenged to bring in as much food as possible to help those in need.
On Monday, Catholic Charities Program Coordinator Dan Valla announced the results. At the end of the week, the goods were weighed. The Raymond Corporation collected 528 pounds of food, and there challenger CWS, collected 883 pounds of food.
“CWS collected the most food, however the winners are the consumers of the food pantry. We at Catholic Charities of Chenango County are filled with gratitude for the generosity of the employees at The Raymond Corporation and CWS,” Valla said.
Both businesses will receive a “You Made A Difference” award from Catholic Charities. The collected food will be distributed at Catholic Charities Roots and Wings Food Pantry, as well as in other area pantries.
The Shopping Cart Challenge first began last year, but Catholic Charities had not utilized the event yet this year.
Catholic Charities is currently looking for other businesses that are interested in participating in the event. Any business that would like to become part of the competition or that would like to challenge another area business to compete can contact Valla at 334-8244 for more information.