Peoria Standard

Food insecurity exacerbated by the still on-going COVID-19 pandemic was behind the anonymous $500,000 year-end donation to Central Illinois Foodbank, the donor said in a statement released as part of a recent food bank news release.

"Thousands of individuals and families in Springfield and the surrounding area who have never before experienced hunger are now in a position of not knowing where their next meal will come from," the donor said in a Central Illinois Foodbank news release issued Dec. 29. "We can’t think of a better way to spend our money than helping feed our neighbors in need."

The jaw-dropping gift arrived as the foodbank continues to meet the COVID-driven need and will be used to continue addressing the growing food assistance needs in the foodbank’s 21-county service area, foodbank Executive Director Pam Molitoris said in the news release.

"The Foodbank is so honored to be the recipient of this incredibly generous gift that will provide much needed nourishment for our neighbors and hope for those who may not know what the future holds," Molitoris said. "The last several months have challenged many in our community as a result of job losses and reduced hours of work. Among those most greatly impacted are families in need of food assistance for the first time."

Since March 2020, when the pandemic started to throw tens of millions out of worknationwide, Central Illinois Foodbank has provided food in 85 drive-through distribution events in under-served urban and rural areas its service area, according to the news release. The foodbank also has partnered with more than 160 other groups to increased its distribution by almost 2 million pounds, a 25% increase compared to the same period last year.

Among the food insecure helped by the foodbank this past holiday season were Springfield residents "Larry & Victoria" who, between them, have five children under 18 and Victoria is "thrilled to share that they are expecting another little girl," Central Illinois Foodbank in a Dec. 29 post to its Facebook page.

"There's a lot of us to feed and being able to pick up food and milk and diapers here helps," Larry said in the post. "We really appreciate all you are doing."

The funds from the anonymous gift will be put to work to fight the still-growing need in which about 120,000 people in the foodbank's service area regularly don't know where their next meal is coming from, about 30,000 more than in pre-COVID days, according to the news release.

That number amounts to 1 in 7 people - including 1 in 4 children - in the service area who are food insecure, according to the news release.

"Central Illinois Foodbank has made incredible inroads in meeting the need for nutritious food," Molitoris said in the news release.  "However, there is much work to be done as hunger continues to extend its reach."  

The pandemic worsened an already existing problem and the anonymous gift is inspiring, Molitoris said.

"Even in what we consider to be good economic times, there is so much need that goes unmet," Molitoris said. "This incredibly generous gift from a donor, who seeks no recognition or personal gain, inspires us to reach for greater heights. Today, we have received a gift of hope that with the continued and growing support of the community, we will one day bring an end to hunger."

Anyone who would like more information or would like to join Central Illinois Foodbank efforts may contact the foodbank at 217-522-4022 or www.centralilfoodbank.org