The WSOY Food Drive returns Oct. 3 as Macon County food pantries face an uphill battle with rising food prices, more people in need of food and federal funding cuts.

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The WSOY Food Drive returns Oct. 3 as Macon County food pantries face an uphill battle with rising food prices, more people in need of food and federal funding cuts. 

The food drive will operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Airport Plaza Kroger in Decatur, but cash donations are being accepted now.

Food drive organizers and partners said the recent expiration of a $1.2 million USDA grant has created a gap for Macon County food pantries. The money was typically used to buy meat, dairy and produce from local farms. 

“Macon County continues to face one of the ten highest food insecurity rates in Illinois,” said Debbie Bogle, President of United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois and Food Drive Co-Chair. 

Many pantries are seeing an influx of first-time visitors and a larger mix of people in need.

“More working families—especially those with small children—and more seniors on fixed incomes are walking through pantry doors. The need is real, and it’s growing,” Bogle said.

In 2024, the WSOY Food Drive awarded $700,000 to area programs and nearly $15,000 in cash prizes to local schools who raised funds for the drive.

"This isn’t a community that allows a child to go to bed hungry," said Brian Byers, Co-Founder, WSOY Community Food Drive. "This community steps up. We take care of each other. And that’s exactly what this food drive is about."

The goal of the food drive is to collect as much food and monetary donations as possible to award to area food pantries. Last year, the goal was to raise enough to cover 75 percent of the need for Macon County food pantries. 

"Community support is the heartbeat of the WSOY Community Food Drive," said Kevin Breheny, Co-Founder, WSOY Community Food Drive. "Without it, we simply couldn’t meet the overwhelming need. Every dollar, every can of food, every act of generosity helps us care for our neighbors and reminds us what’s possible when Decatur comes together.”

HOW TO GIVE 

100 percent of funds raised go directly to local food pantries and organizations. 

  • Donate online at wsoyfooddrive.com
  • Text WSOY to 26989
  • Venmo @UWDecatur
  • Mail a check:
    • United Way c/o WSOY Community Food Drive
      201 W. Eldorado St.
      Decatur IL 62522
  • In-person money and non-perishable food donations
    • Airport Plaza Kroger on Oct. 3 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. (cash, check or credit cards accepted)

HOW TO HELP

The WSOY Food Drive is looking for volunteers. Sign-ups are available on the WSOY Food Drive website.

SUPPORT YOUR SCHOOL

Area schools can participate by collecting money and food. The top five schools will receive cash prizes, including a first place award of $5,000. Prize money for 2025 was doubled thanks to a donation from the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation. The school contest is open to participating Macon County K-12 schools. 

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