Four community members have been chosen to participate as Scrooge Contestants to raise money & collect non-perishable food items for the Atlantic Food Pantry. The contest runs from November 1st through November 24th. The winner will be Grand Marshall of the Lighted Christmas Parade on December 5th.

2026 Scrooge Candidates: (Pictured Left to Right)

Steele McLaren (Lindeman Tractor and Atlantic Fire Department)

Matt Gross (Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company)

Mike McDermott (History Teacher and City Councilman)

Caitlin Eilderts (Merchant’s Guild and Grinnin Bear Tattoo)

Points System: Cash donations are worth 5 points on the dollar and one non-perishable item earns the contestants one point. Checks can be made out to “Atlantic Food Pantry”.

The Atlantic Food Pantry is asking for a specific list of food items, with a focus on monetary donations due to limited storage space. The money will help them purchase food items as needed, including meat and refrigerated items.

Atlantic Food Pantry Donated Food Suggestions:

(Please consider purchasing “pop top” canned goods as some recipients do not have access to can openers)

• canned soup (chicken noodle, tomato, cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, vegetable beef,….)
• ramen noodles (chicken or beef)
• cereal (boxes)
• Jiffy corn muffin mix
• hamburger helper
• instant sides (packages)- pasta, sauce, potatoes
• tuna or chicken (canned)
• peanut butter
• canned fruit (peaches, pears, applesauce, cocktail)
• canned vegetables (beans, corn, peas, …)
• beef ravioli or SpaghettiOs
• crackers (saltine)
• boxed macaroni and cheese
• “quick” oats (no milk needed)
• “complete” pancake & waffle mix (no milk)
• pancake/waffle syrup
• spaghetti and pasta sauce
• Manwich or Sloppy Joe cans
• chili beans
• diced tomatoes