24 Years of Cold Hands and Warm Hearts: Freezing for Food Returns to Monmouth

By: Forgottonia Times™ Report

Photos courtesy of Prairie Radio Communications

As the holiday season approaches, a Monmouth tradition continues its mission to combat hunger in the community. The 24th annual Freezing for Food fundraiser will take place December 4, 5, and 6 at the Save-a-Lot Food Store, 200 N. Main St. in Monmouth, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Local radio stations WRAM and WMOI will broadcast live, highlighting the community’s generosity and the event’s vital role in supporting those in need.

This year’s food and cash donations will benefit the Jamieson Community Center Food Pantry and the Roseville Helping Hands Food Pantry, two local organizations that have relied on this drive to keep their shelves stocked during the winter months. Donations of cereal, canned proteins, canned vegetables, and especially cash are encouraged, though organizers remind contributors to check expiration dates before donating food.

Freezing for Food began in 2000, inspired by a similar event run by friends in Clinton, Iowa. The radio stations adapted the concept for Monmouth, and it has since become a cornerstone of local holiday giving. Vanessa Wetterling, co-owner of WRAM and WMOI and a key organizer of the event shares that all the participants—affectionately called “freezers”—take turns in the chill, and are welcomed “on the air to share their information about their business, organization, benefit, or any other community topic they would like.” 

The Monmouth Fire Department has supported and helped with Freezing for Food since its inception. They continue today by taking turns being freezers and especially by loading up all the food at the end of each day to be delivered to the pantries. The sheriffs from Mercer, McDonough, Henderson, and Warren counties also continue to show their support by attending the event.

The Monmouth Fire Department

The collaboration with Save-a-Lot has been pivotal, ensuring that large orders of essential items are ordered ahead of time, allowing the coordinators to buy up the food as donations pour in. To help the Jamieson Community Center stay stocked during the summer months, the Halfway to Freezing for Food began as a way to help all year round. 

Community members are invited to join the effort by donating cash or food at Save-a-Lot or volunteering to “freeze” for a good cause. Performances by groups like the Monmouth-Roseville Madrigal Singers on the final day at noon add a festive touch to the event.

This season, there are people whose main wish is simply to feed their families. Let one of your gifts this year, no matter how small, be to this great fundraiser.

Sheriff's from Mercer, McDonough, Henderson and Warren counties