Springfield, IL (CAPTIOL CITY NOW) – Central Illinois Food Bank prepares for annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive
Letter Carriers will be hosting their annual “Stamp out Hunger” Food Drive this Saturday.
Karleen Wagoner, food acquisition manager, says the need for food assistance continues to grow across the region.
“The need for food is greater than ever right now,” Wagoner said, on the WTAX Morning Newswatch. “One in six adults and one in four children do not know where their next meal is coming from.”
The food bank serves 21 counties across central Illinois and Wagoner says demand has kept staff and volunteers busy as families face difficult financial choices.
“With the economy right now, families are having to make tough decisions,” she said.
The Stamp Out Hunger food drive is organized through the United States Postal Service. Residents can participate by leaving nonparishable food donations by their mailbox Saturday, where postal carriers will collect them during their regular routes.
Wagoner described the process as “so easy” and said every donation helps.
The food bank is especially seeking staple items including low-sodium soups, canned vegetables, canned fruit, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, rice and beans.
Last year, the drive brought in just over 9,000 pounds of food. This year, the goal is 11,000 pounds.
Wagoner said the donations move quickly through the organization and are expected to be distributed to families within days.
“It will all be out within the next week,” she said.
She also encouraged donors to check expiration dates and inspect items before placing them outside for pickup.
“We keep growing and reaching out to other communities and helping everyone we can,” Wagoner said.
In addition to food donations, the organization also accepts monetary contributions.
“They help us have more buying power, so we can purchase bulk for a cheaper rate, so we love monetary donations as well,” Wagoner said.
Donations can be mailed or delivered directly to the food bank.
Wagoner added that volunteers are always needed to help meet demand.
“We always need volunteers,” she said, adding the organization “relies heavily on volunteers.”
People interested in volunteering can apply through the food bank’s website.
