Springfield, Illinois (June 28, 2018) – Today, Central Illinois Foodbank announced a $50,000 grant from the Morgan Stanley Foundation to purchase equipment for a new produce delivery program. This pilot program will allow volunteers to deliver produce to sites where food insecurity is above average rates. The funds will allow the Foodbank to increase its ability to access, transport and store fresh produce and provide fruits and vegetables for local residents.

“We are proud to continue our commitment of providing fresh produce to children and their families. This grant will make healthy foods available to those who might otherwise not have access to them,” said Joan Steinberg, Global Head of Philanthropy at Morgan Stanley and President of the Morgan Stanley Foundation.

In conjunction with this grant, Isringhausen Imports will be donating a used van to the Foodbank for this program. Once the sites have been confirmed and the van has been retrofitted with refrigeration, the program is scheduled to launch in early August.

“By providing the people we serve with increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables, we give them the building blocks for a healthy life,” said Pam Molitoris, executive director of Central Illinois Foodbank. “We are excited to work with Morgan Stanley to help improve the health of the people in our community.” 

The Foodbank will utilize this program to develop a comprehensive strategy for working with schools and other organizations to help provide more access to fresh produce in the community.  

Food insecurity continues to be an issue facing millions of Americans. According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released in September 2016, 42 million people in the United States are living in food-insecure households, 13 million of whom are children. Feeding America’s Hunger in America 2014 study found that 89 percent of Feeding America’s client households with at least one child lack reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. 

Volunteers will be an integral part of the program’s success. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the program should contact the Foodbank at 217-522-4022.