Thanksgiving Meals Serve Nearly 2,000 Households in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD Nov. 26 – Thanksgiving came early for families and seniors across Springfield, as nearly 2,000 households received food boxes and prepared holiday meals as part of a large-scale community effort. Food was distributed to a line of vehicles that stretched for several blocks, while holiday dinners were delivered directly to local seniors.
Over 70 volunteers gathered at the Central Illinois Foodbank to help manage the event, with the Springfield Police Department assisting with traffic control.
“Thanksgiving is a time for family, togetherness, and giving back. We’re honored to be part of an effort that brings our community together,” said Pam Molitoris, executive director of the Central Illinois Foodbank.
The food distribution, held on Monday at the Foodbank, was made possible through generous contributions from State Farm, Sysco Central Illinois, and long-time Foodbank supporters Bill and Carole Roberts.
“Food insecurity affects millions of individuals and families across the United States, and we’re proud to support the work of the Central Illinois Foodbank in addressing this critical need,” said Sara Freitag, Sales Leader at State Farm. “Their efforts help ensure that those who are struggling have access to the food and resources they need to thrive.”
On Tuesday, the Foodbank continued its holiday outreach by delivering prepared meals to seniors throughout Springfield. Financial and in-kind support for this effort was provided by Steve and Jodie Koch, and Shaun and Megan Moore of Arena Foods.
“With food and grocery prices still high, the need for healthy food options is more important than ever,” said Steve Koch. “If we can help people stretch their food dollars and alleviate some of that stress, we know we’re making a real difference.”
About Central Illinois Foodbank
Founded in 1982, the Central Illinois Foodbank distributes 9 million pounds of food annually to 140 food pantries, soup kitchens, residential programs, and after-school initiatives across a 21-county region. The Foodbank’s mission is to fight food insecurity by providing food, raising awareness, and developing creative solutions to hunger.
