Desire to aid leads to lasting community impact
Nominee: Judy Whitney • Nominator: Carole Harmon
Organization: Slater/Sheldahl Food Pantry
Each year, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of Iowa highlights outstanding volunteers across the state through their Shine the Light contest. In 2025, Midland Power Cooperative members nominated eight individuals whose service strengthens communities across our service areas. We are proud to recognize each of these nominees with a $625 donation to their respective organizations. We appreciate the partnership of our wholesale power providers — Central Iowa Power Cooperative and Corn Belt Power Cooperative — for helping make this support possible.
What began as a simple desire to help neighbors has evolved into a 45-year commitment to community care for Judy Whitney, our third nominee and long-time leader of the Slater/Sheldahl Food Pantry.
Since its earliest days, Whitney has guided the pantry’s operations with a focus on dignity and choice, ensuring families in Slater and Sheldahl are able to select the food items that best meet their needs. Support for the pantry includes vouchers for local grocery stores and weekly donations from Kwik Star in Polk City, which help supplement food supplies throughout the year.
Working alongside her husband, Craig, Whitney coordinates a wide network of volunteers and community partners, including local schools, churches, the United Way, Farm Bureau, and area residents. Together, they assist approximately 35 families and 90 individuals each month. A recent donation to the pantry will support plans for a new facility to better serve the community.
Whitney’s decades of service exemplify compassion, stewardship, and the power of local volunteerism — demonstrating how sustained commitment can strengthen a community and improve lives.