Each episode, host Chris Doelle sits down with someone playing a vital role in the Food Bank of the Golden Crescents mission of “Helping Heal the Hurt of Hunger.”

Host: Chris Doelle Guest: Kelli Metzenthin, Columbus Food Pantry

In this episode of the Hunger Action Heroes podcast by the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent, host Chris Doelle interviews Kelli Metzenthin, the president of the Columbus Food Pantry. Kelli shares her background, how she became involved with the pantry, the services they provide to the community, their funding and volunteer support, their relationship with the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent, and the outlook for the future.

Episode Timestamps:

• (0:00) Introduction and Kelli’s background and move to Columbus.
• (1:00) Kelli discusses her diverse three-part career path over 39 years.
• (2:38) Kelli explains how she got involved with the Columbus Food Pantry.
• (4:16) Overview of the services provided by the Columbus Food Pantry.
• (5:28) Discussion on dependency and community collaboration.
• (6:38) The growth in the number of people served.
• (7:18) Details on the food items distributed.
• (9:03) The funding sources for the Columbus Food Pantry.
• (10:46) The vital role of volunteers and the relationship with the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent.
• (12:59) Kelli gives a shout-out to specific staff members at the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent.
• (13:50) The outlook for the pantry’s future.
• (15:56) The geographic service area covered.
• (17:18) How to find and contact the Columbus Food Pantry.
  • Online: columbusfoodpantry.org
  • Facebook: Search for “Columbus food pantry“
  • Physically: Their distribution site is located at 419 Washington Street in Columbus. This is at the Family Life Center for the First United Methodist Church of Columbus. The church is described as incredibly gracious, having built a pantry space for them.

The interview concludes with Chris thanking Kelli for sharing her story and the work of the Columbus Food Pantry. Chris mentions the podcast is a brand awareness and fundraising tool for nonprofits like the Food Bank.

The Title Sponsor is H-E-B’s Hunger Relief Program. H-E-B’s Hunger Relief Program works year-round to fight hunger in Texas and Mexico. Hunger relief has been a key focus for H-E-B since the first store opened in 1905. For more than a century now, H-E-B’s commitment and involvement in the communities it serves has been an important part of the way the company does business. Since the inception of the Hunger Relief Program, H-E-B has donated over 1 billion pounds of food to help nourish neighbors in communities throughout Texas and Mexico.

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