DANVILLE — Carol Olsen, a longtime volunteer with the St. James Food Pantry, has been recognized as one of Meijer’s Hunger Relief Hero Award recipients.
Ann Wagle, Coordinator of the Food Pantry, says the Olsens — Carol and Mike, husband and wife team started the St. James Food Pantry 19 years ago.
She says they have 80 volunteers that help throughout from helping with bagging to disturbing and everything in between.
“It’s a big group of people, and you know if you were to prepare lunches for that many home guests, you would have to plan ahead,” Wagle said. “She was a big planner, you know, as far as helping to know what her inventory and ordering food and all the volunteers. She is greatly missed for sure.”
Wagle says the Olsens moved closer to their grandchildren recently, so they have stopped their volunteering time with the St. James Food Pantry. However, she says they are volunteering in the community they moved to.
“Carol was a starter, and also her husband Mike,” Wagle said. “And they’re both still very interested in it, but they just also love their family and their grandchildren.”
Olsen and 17 others across the country were recognized for their work in their community fighting hunger.
Olsen was awarded a $500 Meijer gift card and a commemorative plaque. She also gets to choose a nonprofit to receive a $5,000 donation from Meijer in Olsen’s honor.
“The Meijer Hunger Relief Hero Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to help ensure families across the Midwest have reliable access to nutritious food, while strengthening the local organizations they serve,” said Vik Srinivasan, Chief Administrative Officer at Meijer. “We received nearly 400 nominations, which is a true testament to the incredible neighbors who serve our communities every day. We’re excited to recognize those who have dedicated their time and energy to feeding Midwest communities, and the meaningful difference they are making for neighbors in need.”
Wagle says the pantry would not have ran as well as it does without the Olsen’s input.
“She was very committed, very interested in the well-being of our neighbors and how we could help them on a monthly basis,” Wagle said. “And also concerned, of course, for our volunteers and all that made the food pantry develop through the years and sustain what is a huge job.”
“Through this program, Meijer aims to amplify the stories of individuals whose efforts have made a measurable difference in providing families in need with access to healthy food,” Cara Lutz said. “By partnering with local food pantries and nonprofit organizations, Meijer hopes to inspire others to get involved and support hunger relief efforts throughout the Midwest.”