Our History

For many years, the drive has been led by a partnership between local businesses known as the Legacy Partners. Representatives from these partners guide the Drive Coordinator - a community member dedicated to coordinating the many community volunteers and activities that make this drive a success. Food For The Hungry is MANY EVENTS culminating into a one day simulcast (broadcast on radio and streaming online)
– December 14, 2019.

Food For The Hungry began as a food and money drive on WMVO radio to benefit Interchurch Social Services and the Salvation Army in 1982. Longtime WMVO morning show host Charlie Kilkenny started the drive with the help of his wife, Carol, and businesses at the Mount Vernon Shopping Plaza (now the Kroger Plaza). Mount Vernon Cablevision joined in sponsoring the drive the next year. The drive grew into a partnership between the radio stations and other media (WNZR and Mount Vernon News) in 1995, and added Mount Vernon Nazarene University (who sponsored a basketball tournament) and the accounting services of Nelson & Nelson one year later.

Stephen W. Zelkowitz Memorial Award

The Zelkowitz Memorial Award is given each year during the Food For The Hungry drive to a citizen of Knox County who exemplifies the spirit of community service, especially in regards to Food For The Hungry. The award is given in memory of Stephen Zelkowitz, former president and general manager of Mount Vernon Broadcasting and president of Mount Vernon Cablevision. As a community leader in various charitable events, Stephen led the Food For The Hungry initiative in Knox County along with Charlie Kilkenny.

Previous Recipients