SE Illinois News

In a Sept. 1 Facebook post, Rep. Patrick Windhorst drew attention to the issue of food insecurity, which is an issue the state of Illinois takes seriously. The Illinois Commission to End Hunger reported that a study by Feeding America showed that every county in the state would see a 22% increase (or more) in food insecurity.

"Food banks provide a crucial service to our communities as they help families across the state fight food 'insecurity and find resources for living a healthy, happy life.' If you are able, consider donating to a local food pantry this National Food Bank Day to help our neighbors in need," Windhorst said.

In his Facebook post, Rep. Windhorst shared a link to the Healthy Southern Illinois Delta Network’s webpage that includes links to food pantries around the state, from the Franklin and Williamson county areas to the Southern Illinois Food Pantry Network. Southern Illinois Healthcare provided this information.

Feeding America reports that in Illinois, 1 in 11 people face hunger, and that includes 1 in 9 children. The organization noted that according to their Map the Meal Gap study, 9.5% of the state’s population faces food insecurity and that 46% of individuals make less than the SNAP threshold of 165% of the federal poverty line. Feeding America does break the info down at the county level as well as the state overall. That information is included here with an interactive map.

The Illinois Commission to End Hunger was established in 2010 and brings public agencies and private businesses together to develop an action plan to end hunger in the state. The organization notes that the people most affected by hunger issues are people of color, children, older adults, and those who are homeless. It noted that food insecurity increased by nearly 60% for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, and tripled for households with children present.

There are resources available for families and individuals who are experiencing food insecurity. One of those is the Find Food IL Map, which started as a pandemic resource but continues to show stores and markets that accept SNAP benefits and WIC coupons, as well as free meals and food around the state. The map is a project associated with Eat Move Save, through the Illinois Extension Service.