Ag Young Leaders distribute food in Emden

[March 31, 2021]   Saturday was a perfect day to be outdoors, which was great for the Logan County Farm Bureau's Young Leaders group as it made their work of distributing free groceries a little easier.

Volunteers met the Central Illinois Foodbank delivery man in front of the Emden Grain Elevator at 9 a.m. and the group had the boxes ready for curbside pickup by the 10 a.m. start time. They planned to stay until for food was gone.

The Ag group has conducted past food distributions in Mount Pulaski in 2018 and Lincoln in 2019. At the event held at the Logan County Fairgrounds grocery carts were available and people could pick-and-choose what food items they wanted. It was held under a large shelter and the space allowed for lots of choice in vegetables, some fruit, dairy, eggs, meat and poultry.

This year the group distributed 150 pre-packed boxes filled with a variety of vegetables and protein sources. Each 30-pound box contained potatoes, onions, apples or oranges, yogurt, cheese, chicken or other protein, hot dogs or bologna, and 2% milk.

Young Leaders Sam Opperman, Alan Moldenhauer, Megan Opperman and Rachael Welker are pictured holding some contents from one of the boxes. Also present but on an errand was Deana Brooks.

Anyone could stop by and pick up one of more boxes. It was curbside service with assistance offered loading on Saturday.

Neighbors and family sometimes picked up for others who have a difficult time getting out. The young men and women assisted in loading vehicles. One fella made several trips delivering to those in need.

There was no qualifying requirement. This was open to anyone to take as much food as they had need.

The Springfield based Central Illinois Foodbank serves 22 counties and accepts donations and support.

Central Illinois Foodbank https://www.
centralilfoodbank.org

[Jan Youngquist]