Southern Illinois News

Food pantries across the nation are playing a larger role in community welfare due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unemployment, along with other financial factors, has led to an increased need for assistance. The pantry operated by the Shawnee Development Council is seeing the national trend hit home as Union County families are taking greater advantage of its services. Unemployment rates in the state is estimated at 20.7%.  

The pantry is working from a temporary spot at the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro. Typically, it has operated at Choate Mental Health and Development in Anna but had to relocate because of the pandemic, the Gazette-Democrat reported.

In April, more than 1,000 families were served. Prior to the pandemic, an average of 600 families were served. Food comes from a variety of sources and the pantry takes donations as it works to stay ahead of demand.

Brandy Sevenski, Shawnee Development Council’s Union County coordinator, told the Democrat-Gazette the food goes out as quickly as it comes in.

The pantry is open to the public one day a week, serving Union County residents from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday. The pantry also serves senior citizens, distributing food boxes on the third Tuesday of each month from 9-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3:30 p.m. Food is also distributed through curbside or drive-thru, the Democrat-Gazette reported.

The pantry is hoping to return to its home at the Choate Mental Health and Development in June, but nothing is concrete as of yet. Based on the increased need for food, the community is encouraged to make donations.