Written by Senate President John J. Cullerton Wednesday, 25 November 2009 21:55
During the holiday season, many families in Illinois rely on assistance from food banks and food pantries to help feed their children. It is especially true this year. Many households are feeling the impacts of the economic downturn and job loss. As a result, many service organizations in Illinois are experiencing an increased demand for their assistance and are asking for our generous support during these tough times.
With unemployment rates reaching 11 percent statewide and home foreclosure rates skyrocketing, many families are turning to food banks and food pantries for the first time. That is why it is more important than ever to give your time and support during extraordinarily difficult times like these. No family should have to choose between paying their bills and feeding their families. The governor recently signed a timely piece of legislation into law that aims to create hunger assistance for Illinois families. This measure, Senate Bill 1544, creates the Illinois Hunger Relief Fund that will finance grants for food banks throughout the state. This fund will be administered by the Department of Human Services and will be used solely for hunger relief efforts. This fund will purchase desperately needed food and household care items for families facing hard times. I am extremely proud of this timely measure initiated by my colleagues in the Senate because it provides much-needed relief for food banks as well as families that are feeling overwhelmed during the holiday season. Food banks and food pantries have served as an important commodity for many in the past and remain important factors in hunger relief efforts in our state. “Feeding Illinois ,” formerly known as the Illinois Food Bank Association, is a coalition made up of eight food banks that cover the entire state. They strive to provide food for hungry people in Illinois and educate the public on the vital role that food banks play in addressing hunger. This is one of many service organizations that you can donate your time or food to. Recently, my Senate staff decided to collect food and monetary donations for a local food bank in Springfield. This type of generosity is something that should be embraced by each of us this holiday season. These donations will make life a little better for those who are in need. I encourage you to consider others during this season of giving. Locate a local food bank or call a neighboring food pantry to show your support by donating what you can to this significant cause. By doing this, you can make the holidays a little brighter for struggling families throughout Illinois.