WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart is joined by Austin Swallow Chairman of the Board of Directors and Tanner Cooper Risser Annual Drive and Community Relations Director, both working for Food For the Hungry.\
Austin shared about their annual drive and how there is always a need for community support when it comes to hunger. Tanner shared about the responsibilities of his new title and how excited he is to serve.
How to get Involved
Austin talks about how you can get involved with Food For the Hungry by going to their website, foodforthehungrycares.org or go to their facebook page and look there. There is also a form to allow food for the hungry to help promote an event and get you involved. Tanner talks about how you never know when you’ll be in need for food for the hungry. You can get in by emailing him at director@foodforthehungrycares.org or call at 330-521-8474.
Prayer
Tanner asks you pray for him as he adjusts into his new role, he asks you pray for them to get to know each other and have the community to hear about their ministry and get involved. Austin asks you pray for continued support and get involved as help with the food security issue in Knox county.
Click HERE for more information on Food for the Hungry!
Food for the Hungry is stepping into a new season, and there are some important updates for the Knox County community.
During a recent conversation on WNZR, Marcy Rinehart talked with Lisa Lloyd, Vice President of the Board of Directors, about a leadership transition and what’s ahead for the organization.
Executive Director Kathy Brechler is moving into full retirement. While she has served in the role for the past two years, her connection to Food for the Hungry goes back to 2011, when she helped launch the Snowflake Gala. She also created Pantry Partners Access Meetings, bringing local food pantries together to share resources and better serve the community.
As the organization looks ahead, the board is now searching for an Annual Drive and Community Relations Director. This role will oversee the December drive, manage community relationships, coordinate events, and help lead grant programs. The goal is to have someone in place by early summer, with a soft application deadline of April 24th.
At the same time, April is a busy month. The Summer Grant Program is open now through noon on April 30th. These grants support organizations providing meals during the summer, especially for students who no longer have access to school breakfasts and lunches.
It’s a reminder that Food for the Hungry serves Knox County all year long—not just during the holidays.
You can stay connected through their Facebook page or by visiting the website, where you’ll find pantry listings, volunteer opportunities, event information, and applications for both the open position and summer grants.
Click HERE to learn more about Food For The Hungry!
Food For The Hungry LIVE and Drive Day on December 12, 2025 was one to remember! From start to finish, the day was filled with generosity, celebration, and community spirit.
Click HERE to hear comments from those associated with the broadcast!
By the end of Drive Day, an incredible $260,465 had been raised along with 12.5 truckloads of food—a powerful reminder of what happens when Knox County comes together. Donors, volunteers, and grant recipients all played a part in making the day such a success, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
To relive the highlights, be sure to watch the recap video created by FFTH volunteer Ben Slater, which perfectly captures the energy and heart behind the event.
Looking ahead, our 2025 Drive Goal is $340,000, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going. Want to learn more or help make an impact?
Click HERE to learn more about Food For The Hungry!
Joe Rinehart and Jayme McMillan are both assistant professors of communications at MVNU, and they lead the live broadcast for Food For The Hungry.
They both share what it takes to make this event possible and why they believe that it is important. They also explain the details behind the broadcast.
The Live Broadcast begins on Friday, Dec. 12 at 9 A.M. and continues until 5 P.M.
FFTH Live will be available on 100.9 FM and 93.7 HD2 – WMVO, with video stream at www.mvnu.tv and the FFTH YouTube channel. Updates will be given throughout the day on 90.9FM WNZR, 93.7 The Super Q, and FFTH social media. FFTH Live will air from the Memorial Theater in Knox Memorial on East High Street in Mount Vernon.
This year’s Broadcast, as always, is a celebration of giving. The Broadcast highlights many community members and organizations presenting their contributions to the Drive. The FFTH Winter Grants recipients will be featured throughout the day. FFTH and Psi Iota Xi will also recognize several Knox County school and student collection winners.
For more information about Food For The Hungry click HERE!
Kelly Jaeger works with WRP CPAs and is also the treasurer for the Food For The Hungry board!
Kelly goes over all of the amazing ways to give and the impact that giving has on the community. She also highlights the donations staying local and how far your dollar can really go.
Interchurch Social Services Executive Director Carolyn Fergus recently sat down with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart to talk about the growing need they’re seeing across Knox County.
Fergus, who has been with Interchurch for three and a half years and oversees all four branches, says the number of families asking for help has more than tripled since last year. So far in 2025, Interchurch has already provided more than 189,000 meals, a number she says shows just how challenging things have become for many local families.
Right now, Fergus says volunteers are their biggest need. Some days, the Mount Vernon pantry alone serves up to 50 families, which puts a huge strain on their team. Mount Vernon has seen the largest spike in need, but thankfully the other branches have been able to step in and support where they can.
Fergus also shared the story behind the two pop-up food distributions they held this fall. These events were created to help people who couldn’t get to their main locations but still needed immediate support.
Donations continue to be important, especially canned goods like beans, which always seem to run out quickly. Fergus pointed out that even small financial gifts go a long way—every $1 donated turns into about $4.56 worth of food through their partnerships.
Interchurch offers more than food, too. Fergus talked about the other services they provide, including rental and deposit assistance, help with utilities and prescriptions, gas vouchers, and more. She’s already looking ahead to 2026 and hopes they’ll be able to expand their storage space to meet the rising demand.
When asked how people can pray for them, Fergus mentioned rest for their volunteers, patience, and the ability to show Christ’s love to everyone who walks through their doors. She’s been connected with Food For The Hungry almost since its beginning and says she’s passionate about serving local missions.
Fergus ended the conversation with a story that gives a glimpse into the lives of the people Interchurch serves. She hopes more people will get involved, reminding listeners that everyone deserves a good meal—and to know that someone cares. She says Food For The Hungry’s slogan, “Working together to care for our neighbors,” perfectly captures why this work matters so much to her.
Click HERE to learn more about Interchurch Social Services!
Click HERE to learn more about Food For The Hungry!
Cindy Martin, Branch Manager with the Danville Branch of Interchurch Social Services talks with WNZR’s Eric Brown about her role in the organization and their ministry.
She has served the ministry since 1998, volunteered for 9 years then became manager in 2019. She talks about the changes in the economy has made getting items much harder, stretching dollars.
She shares several numbers including in 2024, they served 17,514 meals equating to 1,946 people, to date in 2025, they have served 15, 867 meals equating to 1,763 people this year. She adds what the biggest needs are in Danville including: loaves of bread, boxed meals, canned foods and other non-perishable foods. She adds that any monetary donations are used to getting frozen meat to distribute.
Cindy says the among the Food For The Hungry’s Top 10 ten list she points to condiments among the most desired items, because they are rarely donated.
She talks about how Interchurch can take $1 and turn it into $4.56 worth of food and how Food For The Hungry donations help in more ways than just providing food.
Cindy talks about the Danville’s branch silent Wreath and Home Décor Auction going on through December 12th at the Danville Branch of Park National Bank. There are five different items to bid on including a wreath featuring ice skates that are over 50 years old. All items may be viewed in-person during regular business hours. All proceeds benefit Food For The Hungry and Interchurch Social Services Danville Branch.
She says that the best way to pray for their staff is to give them the ability to do what they do.
Finally, she explains what the slogan, “Food For The Hungry, Working Together to Care For Our Neighbors,” means to her which includes that people should share and share alike.
Click HERE to find out more about Interchurch Social Services!
Click HERE to find out more about Food For The Hungry!
This year’s 15th Annual Snowflake Gala is shaping up to be something truly special. WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart sat down with Amy Quinlivan, Co-Chair of the Gala Committee; Bruce Jacklin, this year’s William A. Stroud Jr. Award for Community Service honoree; and Kathy Brechler, Executive Director of Food for the Hungry, to talk about everything guests can expect on Saturday, December 13th at Kenyon College’s Lowry Center.
The Gala’s theme—Old Hollywood—has everyone eager to bring a little vintage sparkle to the evening. Bruce in particular can’t wait to share a bit of the classic glamour he loves. Kathy added that the evening’s meal will be catered by Stuart Washington from the Knox County Career Center’s Culinary Arts Department. The menu was even planned with Bruce in mind—nothing too messy for a tux! And yes, dessert will definitely be worth saving room for.
Entertainment this year comes from the Knox Community Jazztet, returning after a wonderful performance last year. Bruce shared a bit about the musicians involved, while Amy walked through the evening’s agenda, which kicks off at 6 p.m. with cocktails. There will also be an Old Hollywood-style red carpet, wine throughout the evening, and a silent auction with some standout items.
Kathy emphasized how impactful the auction is: every $1 donated equals $4.56 of food purchasing power through the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. She also took a moment to honor both long-time partners and individuals who have supported Food for the Hungry since its founding in 1982.
One of the highlights of this year’s Gala is honoring Bruce Jacklin, whose service to the community—and his founding of MTVArts in 2007—made him an easy and heartfelt choice for the Stroud Award. Bruce shared a touching story about William A. Stroud, reflected on how humbling the recognition feels, and talked about why community service continues to be such a driving force in his life.
Amy also highlighted the evening’s co-hosts, whom Bruce has known and mentored since their grade-school days on stage. Kathy offered gratitude for the many people who have shaped the event over the years, including some who are no longer here but remain part of the Gala’s legacy.
Tickets are available now—but only until Friday, December 5th—at FoodfortheHungryCares.org. Tables seat eight guests for $1,000, and donations can also be made online. Amy thanked the committee members who work tirelessly behind the scenes, while Bruce reflected on how the Gala has evolved year after year. Kathy ended with a nod to the wine offerings and a heartfelt thank-you to the Career Center team for their continued support.
As always, this event comes back to one shared message: “Working Together to Care for Our Neighbors.” Amy, Bruce, and Kathy all shared what that slogan means to them—and they hope to see you on December 13th to celebrate community, generosity, and a little Old Hollywood sparkle.
Click HERE for the the Food For The Hungry’s Snowflake Gala!
Click HERE to find out more about Food For The Hungry!
Rise and Shine 