Eastern Illinois Foodbank Receives $25,000 Grant from PNC Foundation for Emergency Food Assistance in McLean and Woodford Counties

For Immediate Release – December 1, 2020

URBANA, IL, Dec. 1, 2020 — Eastern Illinois Foodbank (EIF) today announced a $25,000 grant from the PNC Foundation to strengthen its food program and meet food emergency assistance needs in McLean and Woodford counties in Illinois. The program, known as a food fund, will be available to EIF’s partner agencies located in these counties beginning Dec. 1, 2020.

The overall food insecurity rate in McLean County is expected to climb from 9.2% to 14%, while in Woodford County it is expected to jump from 7.3% to 12.4%, as a consequence of the crisis created by COVID-19. Approximately 28,000 residents of these two counties will face food insecurity in the months ahead.

“For families already struggling, COVID-19 only increased their burden, and for many others, the pandemic caused them to seek emergency food assistance for the first time in their lives,” said Brian Ray, PNC regional resident for Central Illinois. “Now more than ever, it is critical to support our communities through organizations like the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.”

“This grant couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Jim Hires, president & CEO of Eastern Illinois Foodbank. “Many are facing food insecurity for the first time. These funds from PNC will help the Foodbank meet the increased need in McLean and Woodford counties.”

Participating EIF member agencies, like food pantries and feeding programs, will receive discounts on maintenance fees or the purchase price of products ordered from the Foodbank. The program will allow partner agencies the opportunity to access more nutritious emergency food.

To learn more about Eastern Illinois Foodbank, including information regarding the response to COVID-19, visit www.eifoodbank.org.