March 30, 2020 – The Howard G. Buffett Foundation today announced a $60,000 commitment to partner with locally-owned restaurants to offer free meals for first responders operating in Christian County, Illinois.
The Foundation’s commitment will assist Christian County’s emergency response to the coronavirus pandemic and was developed in partnership with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. Today’s commitment includes up to $60,000 in food vouchers for first responders to use at over 15 locally-owned restaurants for free breakfast, lunch or dinner for on-duty personnel from Christian County Sheriff’s Office; Taylorville Police Department; Taylorville Fire Department; Dunn’s Ambulance Service; Decatur Ambulance Service (serving Pana and Shelbyville); Pana Police Department; Assumption Police Department; Stonington Police Department; Kincaid Police Department; Morrisonville Police Department; and Edinburg Police Department.
“Providing support to first responders in our neighboring communities is a high priority,” said Howard G. Buffett, Chairman and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. “We welcome the opportunity to provide support during this difficult time and we hope that this approach will also indirectly aid locally-owned small businesses.”
“First responders provide our communities with a sense of stability and reassurance through uncertain times,” said Patty Hornbuckle, President of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce. “They put our community’s health and safety above their own, and for that we are grateful. The generosity of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation provides a reminder of our appreciation for all that they do for Taylorville and Christian County.”
The food voucher support will cover meals beginning Monday, March 30 through Tuesday, April 28. Food vouchers will be given to participating law enforcement agencies who in turn will distribute to on-duty officers. Local restaurants participating in the food voucher program include:
Angelo’s Pizza
Angelo’s Express
Bill’s Toasty Shop
Burton’s Tap
Charro Mexican Restaurant
Family Traditions Bakery
Kluges on the Square
Los Rancheros
Muck’s Place
Pizza Man of Pana
QQ China
Route 51 Eats & Treats
Spring Garden Restaurant
Taco Gringo
Triangle Pub
Uptown Café
Yummy Hibachi & Sushi on Wheels.
All meals will be available for take-out only.
“These uncertain times are unchartered territory for all first responders,” said Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp. “It means so much that these individuals will be able to take a break and get a hot meal. A second, and equally important component to this program, is the help that locally owned small business owners will receive during this time of shutdown. There is no doubt this voucher program will have a positive effect. Christian County is so fortunate for the help of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.”
