In every single county across the country, families are feeling the effects of food insecurity. While food insecurity is caused by multiple factors, the economic impact of the pandemic continues to weigh heavily on families, many who do not qualify for federal nutrition programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, Children (WIC) are being affected. Families without access to adequate food are turning to local food banks to stock their pantries and fill their refrigerators. According to Feeding America, 49 million people in the United States relied on food banks and other programs to help put food on the table in 2022.
September is Hunger Action Month. Each year, America is responsible for billions of pounds of food waste. The goal of Hunger Action Month is to inspire and empower people across America to take a stand and end hunger within our country.
“We have so many wonderful community members in our area who all pull together to lend a helping hand. It is a collective effort to combat the effects of food insecurity. Our volunteers who work to put together our mobile markets, work shifts in the food pantries, tend to community gardens and so much more are the heart and soul of leading our mission with purpose,” says Julie Robertson-Brooks, SSM Health Chief Community Health Officer
SSM Health Illinois recognizes access to nutritious food as a health need within the communities we serve. We are committed to spreading awareness of this need and supporting access to food. Our ministries in Illinois collaborate with community partners and leverage resources in both Marion and Jefferson counties to help families who face food insecurity.
SSM Health contributes funds to 3 local mobile markets every month, where over 2,500 produce boxes are distributed in Jefferson and Marion County each year (2,500 per county). SSM staff also dedicate their time and energy to volunteering at local mobile markets and food pantries to distribute food to their community members.
Robertson-Brooks adds “We work closely with University of Illinois Extension and United Way of South-Central Illinois to provide support in accessing nutritious foods through collaborative community programs and event.”
We also encourage every community member to take action and join the movement to end hunger in America. There are many ways to be involved in the fight against food insecurity in our community:
1. Learn the Latest Hunger Facts
- Go to Feeding America to learn more about hunger in the United States
- Visit SSM Illinois’ Community Health Needs Assessment to learn more about data related to your area.
2. Donate
If you have the means, you can donate food or money to your local food pantries.
- Aim for health-conscious options, such as low-sodium canned goods, whole wheat shelf-stable pastas, or garden produce if you have an abundance.
- Find local pantries near you at Find Food IL.
3. Volunteer
- Take time to volunteer at your local food pantries or soup kitchens.
- Volunteer at local Mobile Market Distributions
- Centralia - second Thursday of every month (9/14, 10/12, 11/9, 12/7) located at Fairview Park - 1035 W McCord St. Centralia, IL 62801
- Salem - second Saturday of every month (9/9, 10/7, 11/11, 12/9) located at Grace Church of Nazarene - 1900 N Broadway / Salem, IL 62881
- Mt. Vernon - third Saturday of every month (9/16, 10/14, 11/18, 12/16) located at ABC Storage - 500 South 10th St. Mount Vernon, IL 62864
- Any volunteer work on SSM staff time contributes to community benefit. Report volunteer hours here.
