Decatur police, Kroger team up to tackle food insecurity with 'Pack the Cruiser' food drive

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The Decatur Police Department is teaming up with Kroger to fight food insecurity with the "Pack the Cruiser" food drive.

Kroger said the drive is meant to help address a variety of food needs, especially for children during the summer months.

"The timing of this drive is especially important because, when school is out, many children don't have access to the nutrition they receive from school lunches," Airport Plaza Kroger Store Leader Jeff Tate said. "We also know demand is up at food banks and pantries while donations are down. So, Pack the Cruiser will help Northeast Community Fund provide for local families that need help."

According to Kroger, some items the food banks are looking for include canned meat and fish, canned vegetables, drink mixes, fruit cups, granola bars, graham crackers, oatmeal and cereal, pasta and canned sauces, and peanut butter.

"One of the core values of the Decatur Police Department is service," Decatur Police Department Recruiting Officer Kara Flannery said. "There are countless ways the department and officers can give back to those they serve, and we are honored one is the Pack the Cruiser event. We understand that food insecurity is far too common in Decatur, and if we can assist in any way to ensure no child goes without a healthy meal, we will do whatever it takes."

Officers will gather at Decatur's Airport Plaza Kroger to collect donations for Northeast Community Fund from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 30.