Food box program coordinator on a mission to serve children

By Becky Uehling

Grant Tribune-Sentinel

Diana Pankonin, the community volunteer coordinator for the food box distribution program, operated out of the Methodist Church in Grant, is on a mission to serve a vulnerable population in Perkins County—children. 

Upon attending a Food Bank of the Heartland conference in Kearney earlier this month, Pankonin learned that one out of 19 kids in Perkins County is food insecure. Pankonin was shocked, and left the conference with a mission to reach these children. 

“There is no reason that any child in Perkins County should be going hungry, and I need help in finding these kids,” she said. 

In existence for several years now, the Food Box Prorgram continues to provide food for those in need, and all who feel they need the aid are encouraged to take advantage of the program, especially those with children, she said.

Pankonin said the program has increased the number of individuals they serve in the area since they first started, and they can help more if people need the assistance.

The food boxes come every two weeks from the Food Bank of the Heartland in Omaha.

Pankonin makes an order with the Food Bank of the Heartland a week in advance, and the truck comes every other week.

There is not one particular day the delivery arrives each time, so it is important to keep up with the food box delivery information on the Perkins County Food Distribution Facebook page or call Pankonin.

A Sign-Up Genius link is posted on Facebook for those interested in picking up food. People can use Sign-Up Genius to book a time slot to come in and pick up food. 

Volunteers are always sought to help with the truck and individuals who help unload the food truck are able to get their first pick of the food. Any food that is left over is taken to local food pantries. 

One thing Pankonin stresses is that “you don’t need to be destitute” to get the food.

“There’s no stigma to it, you don’t have to be under a certain income level or anything like that,” she said. “There’s no questions asked. You just come if you think you need it. It’s kind of my catch phrase that when you need something it’s between you and God. If you’re good with it and you think God’s good with it, that’s all we need.”

The program only serves those within county lines now. To receive updates on future food box deliveries or to find out how to volunteer, join the Perkins County Food Distribution Facebook group. Food or call Pankonin at 352-8251