by: Kerry Lippold Jr.
Food pantries and other charitable organizations provide the perfect opportunity for people to give back to the community. There are so many people helped each day by these organizations, and they are looking for your help during this season of giving. By spending a short time in this type of environment, you can see how grateful and impacted patrons of the pantry truly are. They have plenty of opportunities to contribute from donating to volunteering.
Located in the M-Wing of Parkland College, you will find one of the Champaign area’s food pantries. The Wesley Food Pantry, which also has another location in Urbana, plays a significant role in our community by providing for families facing hunger.
During the month of August, according to their Facebook page, the Wesley Food Pantry helped feed over 331 households, 1068 individuals, and 385 children. During the month of September, the pantry had a similar result by feeding more than 331 households, 1072 individuals, and 345 children. The Wesley Food Pantry also served more than 97 families and volunteers and unloaded more than 5,585 pounds of food during the week of Oct. 20 alone.
These numbers only increase as we approach the holiday season. Fortunately, the Wesley Food Pantry as well as other charitable distributors have plenty of opportunities for Parkland students, faculty and staff to get involved.
You can donate to the Wesley Food Pantry online or even monthly to create, “a reliable source of funding year-round to help provide meals to families facing hunger,” according to their website. You can also donate by mail or even with a food donation.
Their website has a list of items the pantry can accept including grains, proteins, produce, non-perishable food items and even cleaning and toiletry supplies. All items must be in the original packaging and unused. You can also host food drives in support of the Wesley Food Pantry as Parkland organizations including Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society have done.
“Food Pantry as well as other charitable distributors have plenty of opportunities for Parkland students, faculty and staff to get involved”
Other opportunities include volunteering and internships At the Wesley Food Pantry, you can work with other students to support our community and enjoy the experience of changing lives. The pantry’s website has contact information and a training video for those interested in volunteering. If you’re looking for an internship, they have numerous options to help build your resume while helping others. These options include fundraising, social Media, social services, and operations. You can contact the pantry by visiting Room M138.
This fall, the Eastern Illinois Foodbank is running a campaign in support of recognizing all that we should be grateful for and urge people to embrace the spirit of giving back. “Fall into Giving,” is a campaign leading up to Giving Tuesday on Dec. 3 in which people are encouraged to get involved. One way to get involved is by donating. Similarly to the Wesley Food Pantry, this includes money or food. The Eastern Illinois Food Bank has an online donation option where every dollar donated will provide five meals to those in need. There are also locations participating in the campaign that will be hosting food drives.
By visiting eifoodbank.org, you can find all the local food drives with names, addresses, and dates. The Eastern Illinois Foodbank also has volunteering options for those willing to dedicate their time to helping others. You can also join the food bank on Nov. 14, Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 for their special repacking events in which they with host a volunteer group in preparation for Giving Tuesday. These food banks are available to students in need as well. Various options including student-only food distributors can be found on the previously mentioned website.
