The Latest UDWI REMC Community Fund, Inc. Grant to Meal Buddies Will Help Provide Food Assistance to Families in Need
BLOOMFIELD, Ind. (Dec. 22, 2025)— Meal Buddies, an outreach initiative of Sylvania Wesleyan Church that addresses food insecurity in Greene County and the surrounding areas, was selected as a recipient of a UDWI REMC Community Fund, Inc. grant this month. With the $4,000 grant, made possible by the generous donations of UDWI REMC members, Meal Buddies is equipped to address increases in food requests and explore additional avenues to assist community members.
The idea for the Meal Buddies program came about in the fall of 2024 after church members realized the need for additional food resources for children in Greene County. After almost a year of pulling together resources, Sylvania Wesleyan Church partnered with Eastern Greene schools. Together, they officially launched the Meal Buddies program, distributing meals to students at Eastern Greene schools during winter of 2025. By partnering with the local school system, the program can better identify and support students who can benefit from additional resources, recognizing that some individuals may be hesitant to ask for help on their own. With a mission to combat food insecurity among children, Meal Buddies provides weekly take-home meals to children throughout the school year.
“When students arrive at school hungry, uncertain about their food security, it can impede their ability to focus on learning,” said Sylvania Wesleyan Church Pastor, Andy Richmond. “We want children to be able to fully concentrate on learning and engage in their education. As a Christian organization, we are committed to serving others and addressing the needs of those facing food insecurity. Through the Meal Buddies program, we pray that we can positively influence not only the lives of children, but also their entire families.”
In addition to providing weekly meals, Meal Buddies partnered with Eastern Greene Elementary School this holiday season, offering additional assistance to the families it serves. With this collaboration, Meal Buddies was able to provide more than 100 Christmas gifts including toys and clothing to families with the goal of helping ensure a positive and supportive holiday experience for local households.
Meal Buddies plans to use its Community Fund grant to explore additional avenues and partnerships to assist individuals. In addition, the organization will use funds to address any increase in food requests.
Those interested in donating food items to the Meal Buddies program are encouraged to contact Sylvania Wesleyan Church at sylvaniawesleyanchurch@gmail.com or by calling 812-825-5917. After reaching out, those in charge of the program can provide additional information on when and where to drop off goods as well as specify what food items are needed based on recent contributions. For individuals who prefer not to purchase groceries, monetary donations are also appreciated and will be used to purchase essential items to ensure children have consistent access to nutritious food.
“With their passion for helping children and families, not just with food insecurity, but in ways such as with the Christmas gifts for the holidays, those of us at UDWI were inspired by the Meal Buddies program as a valuable and necessary nonprofit in our area,” said Lydia Campbell, Office Manager at UDWI REMC. “It is programs like these that show how impactful the Community Fund can be. We cannot thank members enough for their donations to the Round Up program, which make the Community Fund possible.”
To make an impact in your local community and donate to nonprofit organizations like Meal Buddies, UDWI REMC members can participate in the Community Fund through the RoundUp Program, which allows cooperative members to round up to the nearest whole dollar on their electric bills. The money accumulated is then awarded to various nonprofit organizations— determined by the UDWI REMC Community Fund Board (separate from UDWI REMC staff and Board of Directors).
The latest round of UDWI REMC Community Fund grant recipients in December included: Bloomfield School District, Linton-Stockton School Corporation, Meal Buddies Program, Pregnancy Choices, Rebuilt Recovery & Discipleship Corporation, Teachers Warehouse, Inc., and Worthington Lions Club.
The UDWI REMC Community Fund, Inc. is now accepting applications for its next grant cycle. All nonprofit businesses in UDWI REMC’s service area are encouraged to apply. Please visit www.udwiremc.com to learn more about the program and to start an application.