DECATUR, Ill. — September is Hunger Action Month! Feeding America reports that due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, more than 54 million people may experience food insecurity and hunger in 2020, including a potential 18 million children. Help Macon County 4-H in the fight against hunger and food insecurity by donating non-perishable food items during their food drive.

Macon County 4-H is partnering with the Mt. Zion Food Pantry and Salvation Army to assist local families in need. Food items will be accepted 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. September 21 through September 23 at the Macon County 4-H Extension Office located at 3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd. in Decatur. A contactless drive-thru drop off will be used to keep families safe.

The following is a list of suggested donations: canned fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, rice, whole grain pasta, canned beans, canned soup, canned meat, peanut and almond butter, whole grain cereal and granola.

For more information, please contact Trinity Johnson at (217) 877-6042 or trinityj@illinois.edu.

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.

ABOUT 4-H: Illinois 4-H empowers and prepares Illinois youth for success. University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in Illinois, affecting the lives of 200,000 youth each year through sustained learning clubs, groups, and short-term programming.

News Writer: Maria Lightner, Marketing & Communications, University of Illinois Extension serving DeWitt, Macon and Piatt counties