During a recent government meeting, representatives from seven food pantries in Eric White County highlighted the growing challenges they face in serving their communities. The pantries, located in Cissna, Golan, Clifton, Martin, Sheldon, Gelford, and Wapsika, operate under different models and service areas, with some catering to local school districts while others serve the entire county.

One of the key issues discussed was the significant increase in demand for food assistance. Over the past two years, the number of individuals served by these pantries has doubled, rising from approximately 700 to 1,500 last year. This surge in demand is attributed to various factors, including economic pressures and lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The representatives also addressed the financial strains on their operations, noting that the costs associated with providing food have escalated. A letter from the Eastern Illinois Food Bank was presented, outlining the challenges faced by food pantries nationwide, including a scarcity of donated items and ongoing supply chain issues. The letter emphasized that the number of food donations has sharply declined since the onset of the pandemic, exacerbating the situation.

To illustrate the impact of these challenges, it was noted that the shopping list for food supplies from the Eastern Illinois Food Bank has shrunk from six pages to just one, forcing pantries to purchase food at retail prices to meet the needs of their clients. This situation underscores the urgent need for increased support and funding for food pantries to sustain their operations and continue serving the community effectively.