Courtsey of Pantagraph.com
GIBSON CITY — Gibson City has another food pantry.
Gibson Area Food Pantry, which will distribute food on the third Saturday of each month, came from the work of community volunteers who heard that 1 in 10 people in Ford County is hungry.
“We produce food and have a bountiful harvest,” resident Ron Warfield said. “How can we have so many people in need of food? That’s what we are in the business to do.”
Eastern Illinois Foodbank identified Gibson City, and particularly its seniors, as one of its top priorities among unmet needs in its 14-county service area.
“We have been trying to expand pantry service in Ford County for a number of years,” said Jim Hires, the food bank’s CEO.
The new pantry will complement efforts of Shepherd’s Closet and the food bank’s mobile pantry.
The effort includes nine member churches. New Beginnings Christian Fellowship will serve as the financial agent.
Gibson Area Hospital offered space and donated donated $5,000. Making the same contribution were One Earth Energy, Alliance Grain and Arends and Sons.
Eastern Illinois Foodbank will continue to offer its mobile pantry from 9 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of each month at the new location, 1117 N. Melvin St.
Gibson Area Food Pantry will have another distribution on the third Saturday of each month, with the goal of having a weekly giveaway.
The mobile pantry serves an average of 125 families, with food distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
To help, send donations to Ron Warfield, c/o Gibson Area Food Pantry, 112 W. 12th St., Gibson City, IL 60936. To volunteer, call Mike Bleich at 217-784-8961.
