By Gianna Njau
PEORIA (25 News) – It’s called “Bags of Blessings,” a joint effort to deliver food to people in need across Peoria.
Sunday’s community-wide food distribution is the work of Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service, HyVee, St. Paul Peoria, and the City of Peoria Township to distribute hundreds of “Bags of Blessings” at six locations across the community.
Organizers launched the initiative about two months ago because inflation has raised the cost of living.
Food is distributed once a month to the six locations, with a goal of continuing the effort through June, and potentially through December.
Each month, volunteers work to prepare 500 bags filled with meal kits. Each bag contains recipes, pre-packaged ingredients enough to prepare a full meal at home.
Organizers told 25 News that transportation is a barrier for some residents, and distributing food across multiple sites is intended to ensure families who can’t travel far still have access to groceries.
“We all need a helping hand, no matter what situation we’re in, no matter what economic level we think we’re at. We all need something; if it’s not food, then it’s resources, or it’s just love and care as we impact the community,” said Jay Pearson, a leader at St. Paul.
About 1,000 bags have been distributed in the first two months. The next distribution date is March 22.
Here are the six locations:
– Peoria Friendship House
– Lincoln Terrance Apartments
-Lexington Hills Apartments
-Sterling Towers
-Gateway at River City
-Independence Village Senior Living
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