SPRINGFIELD – Thanksgiving came early for hundreds of families and seniors across the city, as Central Illinois Foodbank not only provided meals to long lines of cars but also delivered warm holiday dinners to seniors. From the busy distribution to the front doors of local senior housing, the Foodbank’s efforts made sure its neighbors had a meal to share this holiday season.

The Foodbank’s Thanksgiving Distribution was scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Monday, however, overwhelming demand caused the team to start two and a half hours early when traffic stretched down McCreery Avenue and filled the Chamberlain parking lot.

In three hours, the Foodbannk distributed Thanksgiving-themed boxes to nearly 1,400 families.

“Thanksgiving is a time for family and togetherness, but it’s also a time to give back,” Robbie Roberts, board president of Central Illinois Foodbank, said. “We’re honored to be part of an effort that brings people together.”

The large-scale distribution was made possible by contributions from State Farm, Sysco Central Illinois and foodbank supporters Bill and Carole Roberts. 

“Food insecurity, the inability to access food, impacts many individuals and families throughout the United States,” Sara Freitag, State Farm Sales Leader, said. “We take immense pride in the dedicated efforts of the Central Illinois Foodbank, as they help people obtain the food and resources they need to thrive.”  

After a day of distributing food to thousands of families, Central Illinois Foodbank shifted focus from its bustling Thanksgiving Distribution to a quieter but equally important task – delivering warm holiday meals to local seniors. 

On Tuesday, Central Illinois Foodbank – along with Steve and Jodie Koch and Shaun and Megan Moore with Arena Foods – delivered meals to Hildebrandt High-Rise apartments and Capitol Retirement Village.

Rose, a resident of Capitol Retirement Village, stands holding her Holiday Prepared Meals. Steve and Jodie Koch knocked on each resident’s door and hand delivered their meals, echoing “Happy Thanksgiving” to everyone they met. (Angelina Padilla – Tompkins | Central Illinois Foodbank)

“This time of year when we should appreciate all the blessings we have, it’s nice to share food opportunities with folks who might not have a nutritious meal,” Steve Koch, third-year sponsor and volunteer, said. “It’s great to see the appreciation folks at the residences have when they get a couple of free meals.”

In total, over 700 meals were delivered to neighbors for the holiday. 

“With food and grocery prices still so high, the need for healthy food choices is critical,” Steve Koch said. “If we can help people stretch their food dollar a little bit, I feel that’s helpful, and helps relieve some of that stress.” 

Central Illinois Foodbank continues to work with 140 partners across central and southern Illinois. For more information about Central Illinois Foodbank and how to support their mission, visit www.centralilfoodbank.org.