Food Pantries for Hungry Families in Central Illinois

For those who need food assistance in the central Illinois area, there are facilities and agencies that provide help for low income families and those who are in need of nutritional help. Some places allow families to visit once a month and offer them additional services of where they can get extra assistance to help pay for groceries and additional assistance to cover their budgeting necessities.

In the Moultrie County area, there are a couple of churches and a community action agency which has food pantries and assistance for hungry families and those who are on a limited income each month. Those who receive social security, disability or are on unemployment can receive this help so that other needs can be met within the family household.

One church in the Sullivan, Illinois area, New Life Ministries has a food pantry that is available for needy families on Fridays from 10am-5pm. There is food, clothing, and household items that are available for them to receive. Over 100 families come each week, and some of them travel 30-40 miles just to visit the ministry. For those who also need some emotional and spiritual guidance, prayer and help from other parts of their ministry is available too.

Also in the Moultrie county area, is the Moultrie County Food Pantry. This food pantry is available to residents of the Moultrie County area only. Cities within that area include Sullivan, Bethany, Gays, Lovington, Allenville, and Arthur, Illinois. The pantry is open Mondays through Fridays at the hours of 8:30-4:30pm. Families are allowed to visit the pantry once a month. Lately, the Moultrie County Food Pantries have been feeding an average of 75-80 families a month that include about 245 people. Their donations come from churches, organizations, and other individuals within the area.

At the Jonathan Creek Christian Church in Sullivan, Illinois, they have joined a wonderful new food assistance program that is available for families in the area. They have teamed up with Angel Food Ministries. Angel Food is available to all families with no income limits. Families can purchase food packages that include canned vegetables or fruit, meats, and other food items at $30 per package. There are extra meat packages that available at additional costs as well. Jonathan Creek allows families to come to their church to make their order and pay, and then a couple of weeks later, they can come pick up their food orders. Those who receive food stamps or the LINK card can also purchase food packages with their card too.

Menus, are available online at the Angel Food Ministries website and also on Jonathan Creek Church. There area also other host sites across the United States who have teamed up with Angel Food Ministries. These can also be found on their website as well.

Other churches in the central Illinois area who have teamed up with Angel Food include

the Arcola First Baptist Church

the Arthur First Baptist Church

Enon Baptist Church in Ashmore

Heartland Family Worship Center: Charleston

New Salem Baptist Church Missionary Society: Decatur

Liberty Christian Family Church: Mattoon

Some of these food pantries are some of the main areas where families can have access to food and other items. Families can also check with organizations such as Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army. For those who aren't in the central Illinois area, you can find out about food pantries in your area by contacting local government offices, the chamber of commerce or your local city buildings. Many of the churches have contacts that provide additional services for needy families with their areas as well.

Individuals and organizations who can donate to their area food pantries are deeply appreciated. Without these donations, some families may be unable to feed their children and loved ones. It is important to assist others who are need in assistance if you are able to provide the help that is necessary. Even just by bringing in some canned food items every month is better than these families receiving nothing at all.

Another food pantry available in the central Illinois area is the Arcola Food Pantry. Last year, the food pantry fed over 4,000 families. It is open through the week to needy families who are in need of food assistance. Donations are brought in from area churches and individuals in the area.