Local food banks are getting help when it comes to serving families..
The Poshard Foundation distributed more than 100 thousand dollars to 42 food banks in southern Illinois.
During a virtual press conference, the Poshards said they hope the donations will help meet the needs of families as the region experiences a surge in food insecurity.
Ruth Hawkins, with the Du Quoin Food Pantry, says the grant will allow her organization to continue providing kids bags and coupons for milk and eggs to families.
“We started this program where we do bags of kid-friendly food and any client that comes in that has a child in the household under 18 gets a food bag in addition to their regular food,” Hawkins said.
Herrin House of Hope says they have seen a 200 percent increase in clients. Several food banks also reported an increased number of households with grandparents taking care of grandchildren.
