United Way Coalition is Feeding Bloomington-Normal

Photo courtesy to United Way website

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- United Way of McLean County is responding to gaps in food access with a new collaborative effort to address hunger.

This initiative brings together local businesses such as grocery stores, restaurants and local farmers to provide food for impacted families.

“The aim is to stabilize food access for families impacted by COVID-19 while also providing income to local businesses and farms so they can keep paying their employees. These same employees are often the ones who are one crisis away from poverty themselves,” said President & CEO David Taylor. “Keeping the money circulating in McLean County while also feeding families in need is a win-win.”

United Way has already started working with the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, the Bloomington Normal Economic Development Council, local businesses and non-profits to source and distribute non-perishable items.

An initial $50,000 food access assistance effort has been approved.

As the need persists, United Way and their partners will evaluate how to expand the COVID-19 Community Care Fund’s resource base through additional monetary support.

Anyone can donate directly to the COVID-19 Community Care Fund.

To donate, visit covid19.dsgive.us