The struggles continue for local food banks with regulations to SNAP benefits combined with high prices at the grocery store.
Melissa Hall, Director of the Jacksonville Area Food Center, says another issue they’re facing is the lack of grant money. “The grants are not available that were available, USDA is not providing free food, so we are relying a lot on our community. We can always use the donations,” Hall says. “We’re not receiving the USDA grants, we’re not receiving the FEMA grants, so that has hurt us tremendously.”
Hall says they are in need of any shelf stable foods and monetary donations go a long way as well. Items needed include cereals, soups, hamburger helper, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, dry pastas, and any canned vegetables. To make a donation visit the Jacksonville Area Food Center at 311 E. Morgan St.
Hall says that they are always looking for volunteers to help out any morning, Monday thru Friday. Those interested should call 217-243-1122.