DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) -- The WSOY Community Food Drive is returning for its 23rd year, with organizers urging the community to help local families as food insecurity continues to grow across Macon County.
The annual food drive will be held Friday, October 2, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Kroger Airport Plaza in Decatur. The event supports about 25 local food pantries, shelters and community organizations.
Since the food drive began, organizers say the community has donated nearly 30 million pounds of food. But despite that milestone, they say the need continues to increase.
"This community has raised almost 30 million pounds of food and as large as that number is, unfortunately, the need continues to grow," said WSOY Community Food Drive organizer Brian Byers.
United Way of Decatur and Mid Illinois Executive Director Debbie Bogle said many families are struggling to keep up with rising costs.
"Twenty-four percent of Macon County households are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to make ends meet," Bogle said.
She added that another 17% of households are living in poverty, meaning roughly 41% of households in Macon County are experiencing some level of financial hardship.
Local agencies say those challenges are leading more people to seek food assistance.
Catholic Charities reported a 30% increase in first-time clients using its food pantry, along with a 27% increase in seniors seeking help.
"We've seen a 30% uptick in individuals that are accessing our services that have never accessed our services before... and a 27% uptick in seniors are accessing our services," a Catholic Charities representative said.
Good Samaritan Inn is also seeing increased demand.
"So far this year we have served over 43,000 meals. Our average used to be around 250. Now it's 300, so we are seeing an increase in the day-to-day need," said Tanya Melendez, Executive Director at Good Smaritan Inn.
Organizers say there are several ways people can help before the October food drive. Throughout August, shoppers at Kroger stores can round up their purchases at checkout, make cash donations or purchase pre-packed food bags that will benefit the food drive.
They also encourage volunteers to sign up in advance to help collect donations during the 12-hour event.
Byers said the food drive has always been about neighbors helping neighbors, and he hopes the community will continue that tradition.
"I think you can tell a lot about a community whether or not they're willing to let kids go to bed hungry. I think that mission is what it was year one, and it's here 23 years later," Byers said.
Monetary and food donations are the most impactful way to support the food drive. 100 percent of the funds raised go directly to local food pantries and organizations.
Click here to learn how to donate.
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