MONMOUTH, Ill. — Smithfield Foods partnered with Feed the Children, a nonprofit organization, to give resources to 400 families right at their cars. The two groups have been working on this project in an effort to combat food insecurity and hunger throughout the country.
2024 marks the first year for the drive thru donation station at the Jamieson Community Center. A group of cars were parked around the block of the building to receive their supplies.
Local residents were able to get non-perishable food and plenty of school supplies loaded into their cars by organization members. But first, locals had to fill out a waiver to be eligible for the resources.
Nancy Mowen, Executive Director of the Jamieson Community Center, said the need for these resources is clear.
"The volume of people requesting help has increased because people just cant afford to pay all of their bills," Mowen said.
Senior Community Development Manager at Smithfield foods Jonathan Toms said inflation causing prices to rise is a leading cause of this problem.
"You know times are difficult right now," Toms said. "Families continue to experience unprecedented levels of need all across the country. And we know the items we're providing today are really going to make a difference for those who need it most in our community."
And locals like Robert Boweos who powered through the long line said they were thankful for the help.
"It's good to know that we have this access because of inflation and food prices now," Boweos said. "Being able to get food for my kids."
Toms said this is not the first or the last resource rally, as they had one before today in Crete, Nebraska. Next, they will have one in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to continue fighting hunger across the U.S.