Employees at DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto seed-corn companies in Constantine recently held a competition to see which could collect the most items for the food pantry at Messiah Lutheran Church in Constantine.
In the end, Monsanto collected the most items: 3,380 pounds versus 1,468 pounds collected by Pioneer. It is the fourth year for the competition.
Food pantry director Sue Outman said it is a record amount and items are stacked in every available spot, inside the pantry and its hallways.
The pantry is for residents of Constantine and is open 9 to 11 a.m. Thursdays. Proof of residency, such as a utility bill, must be presented on the initial visit.