Peoria, Ill. – As the holidays near and families throughout the region are struggling with increasing needs, two Central Illinois organizations are increasing efforts to combat food insecurity.
The Community Foundation of Central Illinois announced a $20,000 Community Match Challenge to amplify its grants impacting food insecurity. Building upon an initial $40,000 of grants, CFCI invites donors to help double the impact.
Every dollar donated to the CFCI Ending Hunger Together Fund will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000 to bring the total community support for local hunger-relief efforts to $80,000.
“This is one way we can help make a difference right now,” said Mark Roberts, President and CEO of CFCI. “We are here to connect those who want to give with those who need support the most.”
Donations can be made online at communityfoundationci.org. All matched dollars will be distributed to organizations across Central Illinois that can quickly deliver food and essential resources to those in need.
Meanwhile, Midwest Food Bank has been awarded a one-time grant of $100,000 through The Gilmore Foundation to immediately purchase ground beef for distribution to 122 nonprofit partners in Peoria County. Distribution to local pantries and meal programs will begin just in time for the holiday season.
The gift comes at a time when federal food assistance is shrinking, emergency food networks are stretched thin, and access to benefits is delayed.
“This gift from The Gilmore Foundation couldn’t have come at a more critical time,” said Christa Staley, executive director of Midwest Food Bank Peoria. “The demand for protein is high, and many of our partners are telling us they simply can’t keep up. These funds will allow us to move quickly and get nutritious, high-quality ground beef into the hands of people who need it now.”
It will be supplied by Alwan’s, a trusted local supplier with whom the Midwest Food Bank has had a long-standing relationship.
“At Midwest Food Bank, we’re doing all that we can to stand with our community as it confronts multiple food insecurity challenges at once,” said Staley. “We are grateful for partners like the Gilmore Foundation who step up in times of need – not just with generosity, but with urgency.”
The grant will provide ground beef to 122 nonprofit organizations while supporting local sourcing through Alwan’s, amplifying the local economic benefit.
“Filling an urgent need while supporting local sourcing is something Bob Gilmore would enthusiastically support.” said Laura Cullinan, President of Gilmore Foundation. “Gilmore Foundation is honored to work alongside Midwest Food Bank in serving our neighbors.“
Other ways in which community members can help include direct donations to local organizations, volunteering at food banks and pantries, holding food drives, or contributing to neighborhood pantries.
Visit findfoodil.org to locate Tri-County food pantries and meal locations.
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