September 11, 2022 – Five hundred families were assisted with food this weekend during a free drive-up food box distribution event.
The event was possible thanks to The United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois, The Community Foundation of Macon County, Crossing Healthcare, The Central Illinois Food Bank, and Neuhoff Media.
Natalie Beck, President and CEO of the Community Foundation, said that the agencies continued to see the need for this service even after COVID.
“I think that everyone at that moment, when you need basics like food, we want to be there and this community always comes together. During COVID, we realized how great that need was but it’s not going away.” Beck added that due to rising inflation and soaring energy costs, many families struggle to decide between heating their homes and providing food for their families.
Each family was given 31 pounds of food in the form of a box of non-perishable food and a ham. There were no pre-qualifications or income guidelines required to receive the food. Recipients were able to drive-up and their car was loaded by volunteers and members of Young Leaders In Action, a youth lead philanthropic group under the Community Foundation of Macon County.
Beck said while no future food box distributions are scheduled, a committee will continue to monitor the need to provide assistance.
