Central IL Farmers Unite: Combating Food Insecurity with Bountiful Harvests and Community Support

In an inspiring collaboration, several Central Illinois organizations have joined forces to combat food insecurity through the “Farmers Feeding Families” initiative.

The partnership includes United Way of Champaign County, Parkland College, and the Champaign School District. Together, they are cultivating crops and generating funds to assist those facing hunger in the community.

United Way of Champaign County leases over 70 acres of agricultural land from the Champaign School District, which Parkland College then cultivates. Students from the Ag Technology Department are actively involved in planting and harvesting corn and soybeans, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to a vital cause. After the harvest, the crops are sold, with all proceeds directed to local organizations dedicated to alleviating food insecurity.

Since its inception in 2014, the Farmers Feeding Families program has successfully raised over $250,000, making a significant impact in the fight against hunger.

Since 2014, Farmers Feeding Families has raised more than $250,000.

United Way of Champaign County’s President and CEO, Sue Grey, said that as the government shutdown continues, this is needed now more than ever.

“In light of the fact that we may have several thousand individuals here in Champaign County lose access to their SNAP benefits, programs like this are so essential, to know that there will be extra funding. Those who are currently running food pantries, the food bank itself, they’re going to have to get more food, so they can provide more to the people that need it,” Grey said.

She added that this is their way to help them have the funds they need to help people. Some groups they’ve helped through this program include Meals on Wheels, Eastern Illinois Foodbank, Peace Meal, and food pantries in school districts.