Lincoln Rotary provides pre-made meals to three local food pantries

 

[April 04, 2023] 

Rotary District 6490 provided assistance to the Lincoln Rotary Club to offer two pallets of MRE’s to three area Lincoln Food Pantries. The two pallets contained meals of Mushroom Risotto and Turkey Chili with Beans. The meals were designated as “Ready to Eat in 5 Minutes.” This shipment was a portion of the meals received by Rotary District 6490 and sent to the Turkish Earthquake Victims in Mid February. Mike Martin of the Mattoon Rotary Club made this opportunity possible for Lincoln. Pallets were picked up from the Midwest Food Bank.

Ivan Crawford and Kirby Rodgers

The MRE’s were offered to the Jefferson Street Christian Church Food Pantry and received by Ivan Crawford and his crew. Jeff Street is the only food pantry in Logan County that delivers food boxes to its customers. Director Crawford states that “many people are unable to come to the pantry because of lack of transportation or disability.” Deliveries are primarily made on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois (CAPCIL) also received the MRE’s. CAPCIL’s Mission is to assist in empowering low-income persons and other vulnerable populations of all ages, through the creation and implementation of poverty-fighting initiatives for those in crisis and those seek a life lasting independence.

CAPCIL Volunteer Service Director Melissa Hamblin coordinated this project with the three groups and Lincoln Rotary. The MRE’s will be utilized in emergency and disaster kits as needed locally. Community Action provides many services throughout Logan County for families and individuals needing assistance. Besides their food pantry, CAPCIL provides transportation throughout Lincoln and many programs to assist families and individuals having needs.

Krista Miller and Kirby Rodgers

The Oasis Senior Center was the third recipient of cases of MRE’s. The executive Director of the Oasis is Krista Miller. The MRE’s received were designated to be used in their local outreach to seniors and in local Military Programs. The Oasis facility provides many activities for seniors in Logan County. They have a wide variety of classes ranging from cards, games, line dancing, a exercise room, an outdoor walking track, and hosts many bus trips and tours throughout the year.

Kirby Rodgers of the Lincoln Rotary Club coordinated this project. Lincoln Rotary meets weekly at noon on Wednesdays in Fifth Street Café. Visitors are welcome to attend and learn more about Lincoln Rotary District 6490, and what Rotary International is doing around the world. Rotary is known for its “Service Above Self” motto.

The Lincoln Club is celebrating its 100th year of service April 20th with a special Club dinner to be held at the Oasis Senior Center, 2810 Woodlawn Road in Lincoln.

Lincoln Rotary is looking forward for another 100 years!

[Laurie Hill, Rotary Club President]