Healthy Foods Distributions
In 2010, Central Illinois Foodbank began operating the Mobile Food Pantry. In 2017, we renamed these events "Healthy Foods Distributions" to reflect our growing emphasis on fresh produce and other nutritious foods. Central Illinois Foodbank partners with a host site to secure a parking lot and volunteers to assist in distribution. On average, a Healthy Foods Distribution will distribute around 12,000 pounds of food in under two hours. These distributions are arranged in "farmers market style", allowing guests to roam among the pallets of food.
Kids Cafe/Summer Food Program
In partnership with Boys & Girls Club of Central Illinois and Springfield Urban League, Central Illinois Foodbank operates Kids Cafe at three locations in Springfield during the school year. During the summer, Central Illinois Foodbank also partners with the Springfield Park District, YMCA, and other community sites to offer meals at almost 10 locations. All children ages 2-17 are welcome to enjoy a warm, nutritious meal at the summer feeding sites every Monday-Friday when the site program is in operation. In addition to providing children with a healthy supper during the school or a healthy lunch during the summer, the kids feeding program is a safe place for children to receive homework help, computer skills, and nutrition education.
After-School Meal Programs:
- Boys and Girls Club, 300 S. 15th St., Springfield, IL 62703. Meal served M-F 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
- Brandon Court, #9 Brandon Dr., Springfield, IL 62703. Meal served M-F 4:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
- St. Patrick's School, 1800 S. Grand Ave., Springfield, IL 62703. Meal served M-F 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Summer Food Service Programs:
- Boys and Girls Club, 300 S. 15th, Springfield, IL 62703. Meal served M-F 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m., Evening Teen Program Meal M-F 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Brandon Court, #9 Brandon Dr., Springfield, IL 62703. Meal served M-F 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
- Menard County Housing, 18 George Road, Petersburg, IL 62675
- Nelson Center, 1601 N. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702
- Erin's Pavilion, 4965 S. 2nd St., Springfield, IL 62703
- Enos Park Summer Program, 1030 N. 7th St., Springfield, IL 62702
- Springfield YMCA Downtown, 701 S. 4th St., Springfield, IL 62703
- Springfield YMCA Camp, 6602 Iron Bridge Rd., Chatham, IL 62629
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: USDA Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) E-mail:
program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
For more information about Kids Cafes throughout the nation, click here.
Mobile Kitchen Cart
In 2016, Sysco of Central Illinois generously purchased a mobile kitchen cart for Central Illinois Foodbank to use in conjunction with Healthy Foods Distributions. The kitchen cart can be taken anywhere, and contains a small oven, sink, induction burner, and stainless steel counter tops to encourage an interactive experience learning how to prepare fresh produce. Empowering families to cook nutritious foods helps make the most out of the millions of pounds of fresh produce distributed by the Foodbank each year.
Retail Store Donation
In fiscal year 2016, we saved 2.7 million pounds of food from landfills. We couldn't save food without the volunteers who staff our local retail program. When grocery stores and restaurants have food that they cannot sell (but is still good), they used to have to toss it in the dumpster. Now, thanks to the retail program, that product is being given to people who are hungry. This is the first prepared and perishable food rescue program in Central Illinois. Every day our Foodbank volunteers collect from local grocery stores, distributors, and manufacturers.
Want to Know More?
E-mail Virginia at vferguson@centralilfoodbank.org with any questions or comments.