SPRINGFIELD – The season of giving is in full swing, and Central Illinois Foodbank volunteers ensured its neighbors feel the warmth of community care. With smiles, stories and meals in hand, these volunteers made a difference, one doorstep at a time.

For the third consecutive year, Steve and Jodie Koch, in partnership with Shaun and Meghan Moore owners of Arena Food Service, delivered nearly 1,000 holiday meals to residents at Capitol Retirement Village and Near North Village Apartments. 

The Kochs, who also sponsored the Thanksgiving Meal Delivery, have made it a tradition to hand-deliver meals directly to residents.

Steve and Jodie Koch, third-year donors and volunteers, stand with Rose, resident of Capitol Retirement Village. In anticipation of the Holiday Meal Delivery, Rose spent the morning baking mint brownies and banana bread for the Koch’s and volunteers. (Angelina Padilla – Tompkins | Central Illinois Foodbank)

Each delivery is more than a simple drop-off – it’s an opportunity to connect with neighbors, share stories and spread a bit of holiday cheer.

“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 said. “It’s great to see the appreciation folks at the residences have when they get a couple of free meals.”

When they visited each apartment, the Kochs made sure to spend time with every resident, spreading holiday warmth and building connections.

Vivian Fore, resident of Capitol Retirement Village and just shy of 104-years-old, thanked the Kochs for their generosity and echoed sentiments of giving. 

“We’re not any better than anybody else,” Fore said. 

As grocery prices continue to fluctuate, efforts like prepared holiday meals make it easier for seniors to access healthy, balanced meals without compromising on quality during the holiday season.

Foodbank friends Steve and Jodie Koch stand with Vivian, resident of Capitol Retirement Village. Vivian remembered the Kochs from the Thanksgiving Prepared Meal Delivery and thanked them for helping their community. (Angelina Padilla – Tompkins | Central Illinois Foodbank)

“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.”

Many residents of Capitol Retirement Village remembered the Kochs from the Thanksgiving Prepared Meal Delivery and prepared their own baked goods as a thank you.

Central Illinois Foodbank relies on community partnerships, like those with the Kochs, Moores, community organizations and all volunteers, to feed its neighbors. These collaborations are essential to the Foodbank’s mission to provide food and develop awareness of and creative solutions for food insecurity.

“Seeing volunteers build relationships with our neighbors, while delivering a meal and holiday cheer, truly shows the heart of our community,” Pam Molitoris, executive director of Central Illinois Foodbank, said. “We are proud to have such dedicated and engaged people supporting our mission.”

Central Illinois Foodbank, established in 1982, distributes 9 million pounds of food annually to 140 food pantries, soup kitchens, residential programs and after-school programs in a 21-county region.  For more information about Central Illinois Foodbank and how to support their mission, visit www.centralilfoodbank.org.