PEORIA, Ill. – Many area families are worried about getting enough fresh food without SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. And, Peoria’s Friendship House is trying to fill the gap.
The organization’s President and CEO Marcellus Sommerville says Friendship House’s food pantry is set up as a simplified “grab and go”.
“We pre-pack the bags with pasta noodles, spaghetti, maybe ground beef here and there…so they can get a substantial amount of protein as it lasts. And then, we’ll put some greens in there, we’ll put some fruits in there,” Sommerville says.
He tells WMBD’s “Greg and Dan” the “grab and go” bags can usually last two or three days, and then families come back.
With SNAP benefits from the federal government expected to cease on November 1st, Sommerville sees the demand (for food assistance) rising.
“I’m personally invested in trying to make sure that we are prepared for it,” Sommerville says.
To make sure families are fed, Friendship House is asking for donations of non-perishable food items from the public to help stock their shelves.
The food pantry is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. No ID is required, but everyone must sign-in at the front desk.
To learn how you can make a donation or volunteer, click HERE.
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