Rural Health Inc. launches May food drives to support Southern Illinois pantries

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (KBSI) — Rural Health Inc. will host a series of food drives in May to help local pantries prepare for an expected surge in demand during the summer months.

With the school year ending, many families lose access to meals provided through the National School Lunch Program, increasing pressure on food pantries.

Officials estimate demand can rise between 700% and 850% during the summer, while donations typically decline.

• Rural Health Inc. will collect nonperishable food items and monetary donations at the following locations:
• Goreville Food Market in Goreville on May 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., benefiting Arrowleaf Food Pantry in Vienna
• Big John’s Superstore in Metropolis on May 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., benefiting COPE Food Pantry in Metropolis
• Kroger in Anna on May 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., benefiting Shawnee Development Food Pantry in Anna

All donations will be distributed the same day they are collected.

“Lack of nutritious food can lead to serious and long-term health problems, particularly for children, such as impaired physical development and reduced cognitive functioning,” said Shawnna Rhine, director of public relations for Rural Health Inc.

“By supporting our local food pantries we can help ensure that children are getting healthy meals year-round.”

According to the University of Illinois Extension, more than 45,000 people in Southern Illinois experience hunger, including more than 12,000 children.

Child food insecurity rates in the region range from about 17.9% to 29.5%, and families may need to provide an additional 10 to 14 meals per week during the summer.

Organizers encourage donations of kid-friendly, easy-to-prepare items such as macaroni and cheese, canned meals, peanut butter, ramen noodles, cereal, crackers, fruit cups without added sugar and juice boxes.

Rural Health Inc. is a federally designated community health center serving Johnson, Massac and Union counties, providing care to underserved populations.