left to right: Vicki Young, RCCA volunteer; Kylie Foster, Government and Community Relations Manager with Duke Energy; Darilyn Bedel, RCCA volunteer

The Rush County Community Foundation (RCCF) has received an $8,000 grant from Duke Energy in support of the Rush County Community Assistance Food Pantry (RCCA). These dollars will be used for the sustainability of RCCA’s new space at the Love Community Center (LCC).

Food insecurity in Rush County is a persistent and pressing problem. RCCA works diligently to address this issue, having distributed more than 305,000 pounds of food during a recent 12-month period.

The new food pantry at the LCC will help RCCA increase its impact in several ways.

Expanding in size from 1,500 to 7,100 square feet will create a spacious and welcoming environment. The addition of an on-site teaching kitchen will provide opportunities for nutrition and cooking classes, customized to foods available at the pantry. The proximity of other social service agencies at the LCC, such as Firefly Children & Family Services, ICAP, WIC, and the Rush County Senior Center, will serve as a convenient, one-stop access for those in need. The new 70-seat childcare center will specialize in accepting CCDF vouchers. The library and recreation center will offer free and low-cost activities for people of all ages.

While RCCA already offers support to individuals beyond food, its new location will make it a hub of even greater connectivity to enhance the lives of the most vulnerable members of the community.

Just before Thanksgiving, in addition to delivering the grant check to RCCA, Kylie Foster from Duke Energy was on hand to share information with RCCA clients about their energy assistance program, Share the Light Fund. Customers who qualify may be eligible for up to $300. Learn more at duke-energy.com/communityfund.

Duke Energy’s generosity will help ensure that RCCA will continue to serve the needs of the Rush County community with care and dignity for generations to come. If you’d like to join them in supporting RCCA and LCC, please mail or drop off a gift to RCCF, 117 N. Main Street, Rushville, IN 46173. Or make a gift online to the Ebert H. and Bessie M. Schroeder Fund. Thank you!