Grant Awarded to Nettle Creek Community Coalition for Community Van That Brings Healthy Food to Homebound Individuals
The Board for United Way of Whitewater Valley announced a new grantee for its 2026/2027 grant year. Nettle Creek Community Coalition was awarded $15,000 toward purchase of a new community van that will reduce food insecurity in rural areas of western Wayne County, strengthen the safety net, and improve community resiliency. A check was presented to Nettle Creek Community Coalition on June 30.
“Together with partners like Nettle Creek Community Coalition, we are building a healthy, resilient community where every resident can meet their basic needs and dream of a brighter future, whether they live near services or far from the center of town,” said Karen Pipes, Board Chair for United Way of Whitewater Valley. “We wanted to ensure that all households across our region receive the support they need to live healthy lives, and this investment in western Wayne County is a critical part of bringing that support to those with limited mobility.”
“The new community van will allow us to launch our Shut-In Program, providing food deliveries to neighbors throughout western Wayne County communities who are unable to visit our food pantry because of medical conditions, disabilities, or mobility challenges. United Way of Whitewater Valley’s commitment to addressing local needs makes it possible for us to reach some of our community’s most vulnerable residents and ensure they are not forgotten,” said Chris Lane, Jefferson Township Trustee and Director of the Nettle Creek Community Coalition.
This grant was funded in collaboration with Indiana United Ways, the state membership association for United Ways serving Indiana counties, through a matching grant agreement.
“We’re grateful we can leverage our state network to match the combined generosity of individuals and businesses across Wayne and Union Counties that have contributed financially to United Way of Whitewater Valley over the past fiscal year. Every contributor to our workplace campaign was part of making this possible,” said Pipes.
“On behalf of our board, staff, volunteers, and the families we serve, we sincerely thank United Way of Whitewater Valley for their investment in our mission and for helping us bring this vital new program to life. This support is much more than the purchase of a vehicle, it is an investment in the health, dignity, and well-being of our neighbors. Together, we are making a meaningful difference!” said Lane.
About United Way of Whitewater Valley
In existence since 1928, United Way of Whitewater Valley is a nonprofit organization serving Wayne and Union Counties. United Way of Whitewater Valley focuses on improving the health, education, and financial outcomes of struggling, working households through convening of cross-sectoral and multi-sectoral stakeholders, program support, information dissemination, public policy action, and grant-making. For more information about the United Way of Whitewater Valley, visit givetheunitedway.com or call 765-962-2700.
About Nettle Creek Community Coalition
The mission of Nettle Creek Community Coalition is to help the community live a healthier, safer, hunger-free life. The Coalition bridges the gap for those in need by offering a comprehensive selection of nutritious food—including meat, dairy, produce, and grains—alongside vital household cleaners and personal hygiene products like shampoo, deodorant, and feminine care items. By ensuring neighbors have access to both healthy meals and the dignity of personal care, the Coalition provides the security every household deserves. In partnership with Jefferson Township, they serve Hagerstown, Dalton, Greens Fork, Economy, Williamsburg, Dublin, and Cambridge City. For more information, visit nettlecreekcommunitycoalition.org.
