Board Approves $6,000 Stipend for Food Pantry Leadership, Discusses Transition

Jackson Township Board Meeting | October 2025

Article Summary: The Jackson Township Board voted unanimously to authorize a financial stipend for the leadership of the Elwood Food Pantry. The decision came alongside a report detailing upcoming holiday community events and a potential leadership transition for the pantry.

Elwood Food Pantry Key Points:

• Stipend Approved: The Board voted 4-0 to provide a $6,000 stipend to the person running the food pantry, matching the amount given the previous year.

• Leadership Transition: Brandon, the current pantry representative, announced he is looking to transition out of his duties but aims to secure assistance from the Boy Scouts and the Baseball Association.

• Holiday Events: The pantry outlined a schedule including a “Trunk or Treat” on October 28, a food drive on November 15, and “Breakfast with Santa” on December 13.

The Jackson Township Board on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, voted to continue financial support for the administration of the Elwood Food Pantry while hearing updates on the organization’s future leadership.

Brandon, a representative for the Elwood Food Pantry, addressed the Board during the new business portion of the meeting. He reported that the pantry would not be able to provide vegetables for food baskets as they typically do. He also outlined a busy schedule for the remainder of the year. The Elwood Scouts are scheduled to host a “Trunk or Treat” at the school on October 28. A food drive is planned for November 15, for which the group will require assistance carrying bags, followed by a “Breakfast with Santa” event on December 13 that will feature a “touch a truck” activity.

Looking to the future, Brandon informed the Board that he is looking to transition out of his food pantry duties. He indicated that he hopes to secure help from the Boy Scouts and the Baseball Association to manage the operations moving forward.

Following the presentation, Trustee Coley O’Connell made a motion to grant a $6,000 stipend to the person running the food pantry. The motion was seconded by Trustee Michele Hallihan.

The measure passed with a unanimous roll call vote from Trustees Jake Fanning, Norm Fanning, Michele Hallihan, and Coley O’Connell.