DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The WSOY Food Drive returns Friday at the Airport Plaza Kroger in Decatur.

The food drive is open until 6 p.m. with a drop-off area for food and monetary donations. 

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.
 
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.
 
In 20 years, the drive has collected more than 24 million pounds of food. The food drive has turned into one of the largest single-day food drive events in the Midwest. 
 
Organizers and benefitting agencies are seeing a great need than ever, likely due to federal funding cuts and an increase in food prices. 

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
  • Call 217-864-5070 to make a donation over the phone
  • 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 Friday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. (cash, check or credit cards accepted)

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