July 23, 2025 – WSOY, NowDecatur, United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois, ADM, Kroger, the Decatur Park District, and our dedicated community partners—Buds and Blooms, Central Illinois Media Group, Colee’s Corner Drug, Dale’s Southlake Pharmacy, Decatur Back and Neck, Dynagraphics, First Mid Bank and Insurance Group, Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, Hickory Point Bank, Investment Planners Inc., Jones and Thomas/JT Net, McDonald’s Decatur, McLeod Trucking, Skeff Distributing, Speed Lube, and WAND-TV—are proud to announce the return of the WSOY Community Food Drive on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Airport Plaza Kroger on Rt. 36 (1818 Airport Plaza, Decatur).
A Coming Crisis
Macon County food pantries have faced unprecedented challenges this year. The expiration of a $1.2 million USDA grant—which allowed Macon County pantries to purchase fresh items like meat, dairy, and produce from local farms—has created a significant gap in access to nutritious food. In addition, rising food prices and federal cuts to safety net programs have left pantries scrambling to meet rising demand. Many of our local food pantries are seeing an increase in families with young children and senior citizens as well as families seeking assistance for the first time.
“Macon County continues to face one of the ten highest food insecurity rates in Illinois**,” said Debbie Bogle, President of United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois and Food Drive Co-Chair. “More working families—especially those with small children—and more seniors on fixed incomes are walking through pantry doors. The need is real, and it’s growing.”
“We are on the edge of a real crisis. Food pantries are telling us they’re seeing more need than ever before—and they have fewer resources to meet it. This isn’t a community that allows a child to go to bed hungry. This community steps up. We take care of each other. And that’s exactly what this food drive is about,” said Brian Byers, Co-Founder, WSOY Community Food Drive.
“Community support is the heartbeat of the WSOY Community Food Drive. Without it, we simply couldn’t meet the overwhelming need. Every dollar, every can of food, every act of generosity helps us care for our neighbors and reminds us what’s possible when Decatur comes together,” said Kevin Breheny, Co-Founder, WSOY Community Food Drive.
How to Give
Monetary and food donations are the most impactful way to support the WSOY Community Food Drive. 100% of funds raised go directly to local food pantries and organizations.
- Donate online at www.wsoyfooddrive.com
- Text to Give: Text WSOY to 26989
- Venmo: @UWDecatur
- Checks can be made payable to: United Way c/o WSOY Community Food Drive and mailed to 201 W. Eldorado St., Decatur, IL 62522
- In-person monetary and non-perishable food donations will be accepted at Kroger on Rt. 36 on October 3rd, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (cash, check, or charge)
- Phone lines will also be open all day for donations and pledges
- Fundraising and collecting food using easy-to-use Fundraising Tool Kits available at www.wsoyfooddrive.com, from promotional materials to creative ideas for engaging your group or business.
- Share the WSOY Community Food Drive on your personal or business social media, include it in your company newsletters, and display it proudly on your business marquee. Every post, mention, and message helps us fight hunger in our community! Materials are available at www.wsoyfooddrive.com
- Get involved and volunteer! Volunteer sign-ups are now open at www.wsoyfooddrive.com
Support Your School—And Win Big!
Thanks to our generous sponsors, we’ll once again award cash prizes to the top five schools collecting the most food and/or funds. Thanks to the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, these prizes have doubled! Anyone can donate in support of a participating Macon County K-12 school.
Cash Awards:
- 1st Place – $5000
- 2nd Place – $3000
- 3rd Place – $2000
- 4th Place – $1500
- 5th Place – $1000
(**Feeding America Map the Meal Gap Study 2025)
For more information: Lindsay Romano, 217-972-1992, lindsayromano@CIMG.media
