In Central Illinois, 11% of our community lack adequate access to food. This leaves many of our neighbors not knowing where their next meal is coming from, skipping meals, missing out on healthy options due to affordability or accessibility.
Food insecurity is a pervasive, structural problem that’s intertwined with poverty, wage stagnation, education opportunity, health care access and transportation.
Multiple studies show that people living on lower incomes experience higher levels of obesity, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues. A lack of healthy food can do significant harm to a child’s physical and mental health, academic achievement, and future economic prosperity. Food insecure children may experience delayed development, an increased risk of chronic illness, and behavioral problems like hyperactivity and anxiety.
Local communities play a vital role in helping people access healthy and nutritious food. Local solutions funded by United Way are helping to close the gaps of food insecurity. At United Way of Central Illinois we are doing this through St. John's Breadline with a goal of supporting emergency services vital to the basic needs of food stability of the most vulnerable members in our community.
One example of St. John's Breadline at work is Kara's story. Kara's life had taken a series of unexpected turns. Widowed at a young age, she found herself raising her two beloved grandchildren, Lily and Ethan. Her daughter had faced her own set of trials and tribulations, and it was Kara who had stepped in as the guiding light for the little ones. Feeding growing kids was no easy task, and as the cost of groceries continued to rise, Kara found herself navigating a financial maze, trying to stretch every dollar to its limits.
St. John's Breadline became not just a place for sustenance but a cornerstone of their lives.
This story is the story of just one meal of the over 111,000 meals that were served in 2022. While our work has seen success, we know there are many of our community members who we could still reach. With your support, we can continue working towards our goal of eliminating food insecurity in our community. Contact United Way of Central Illinois to get involved. Donate to support programs like this here in Central Illinois.