Feeding Our Communities

During the COVID-19 pandemic, community food banks and pantries have risen to the challenge and met the increased need. Many families relied on these resources for the first time, while others were inspired to donate or volunteer. But do you know the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?

As Stephen Ericson, executive director of Feeding Illinois, explains, “Food banks are organizations typically responsible for the sourcing, storage and distribution of food to smaller local agencies (such as food pantries) that are embedded in communities and provide free food or meals directly to people in need.”

Photo credit: Istock.com/agafapaperiapunta

Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) is proud to be involved in efforts to feed our state’s communities. Throughout the year, IFB’s Young Leader Committee promotes involvement in Harvest for All, a program of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Members participate by tracking hours volunteered, pounds of food donated and dollars contributed here in Illinois to help fight food insecurity. In 2019, the Illinois group of 18- to 35-year-olds was recognized as the No. 1 state in hours volunteered and dollars donated. Learn more at ilfb.org/get-involved/young-leaders/harvest-for-all.

IFB’s 2020 Sharing the Harvest to Fight Hunger Donation Drive resulted in the purchase of 76,680 pounds of food, or the equivalent of 63,900 meals.

See more: Breakfast for Dinner Recipes

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *