URBANA, Ill. (WAND) - Teens at the Illinois 4-H Hunger Summit were trained on how to tackle hunger issues in their local communities.
The summit was held Sept. 21-23 and was sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension 4-H.
When 60 participants opened their box lunches, some had an abundance of food and others had only a banana or bag of chips.
The activity was meant to helps teens put themselves in the shoes of the people they hope to help.
One teen who needed a vegetarian meal got a meat sandwich instead.
Teens at his table offered to switch with him.
The activity prepared them for their summit goal of designing a plan to address hunger in their local community.
Teens toured the Midwest Food Bank in Normal.
Last year, the food bank distributed $116 million worth of food. The center receives 160 semi-loads of food a month. All of the food they receive for redistribution is donated. Kellogg's and Wal-Mart are two of the largest contributors.
The foodbank also works to help victims of disasters. Volunteers are currently packing boxes for those effected by Hurricane Florence.
Summit participants spent two hours packaging 1,500 bags.Â
Many clubs already have hunger projects in their communities.
The Olympia Pacesetters 4-H Club of McLean County runs the Helping Hands food pantry and clothing exchange center in Stanford. Between distribution dates, the club built an emergency mini food pantry outside the center with welding help form a 4-H club member.Â
It also grows fresh produce in the Stanford Sprouts Community Garden.
