OREGON, Ill. — Food insecurity is an official term from the USDA, and it's when people don't have enough to eat and don't know where their next meal will come from. It's a big problem in the United States, where 47 million people, including 14 million children, experience food insecurity annually. However, many more people, including millions who do not meet the definition of food insecure, turn to the charitable food sector for support, according to feedingamerica.org.
Ogle County 4-H is partnering with the Ogle County Health Department to fill the Mini Food Center at Conover Square in Oregon. 4-H Member, Lydia Sherburne saw a need and contacted the Health Department to help families in need. Donations needed include: Bread, Tortillas, English Muffins, Whole wheat or vegetable pasta, Rice Pasta sauce (unbreakable containers are best), Mac N Cheese, Boxed whole grain lower sugar cereals, Oatmeal, Nut butters (almond, peanut, and/or sesame), Potatoes, Boxed granola and cereal bars, Applesauce, Canned vegetables, beans, and fruit, Canned tuna/chicken/ham/salmon, Canned soups and stews, Juice, Peanut butter and Jellies, Snacks such as crackers, popcorn, granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit, and Condiments (ketchup, mustard, seasonings, salad dressings).
You can help by dropping off your donations at the Ogle County Extension Office located at 421 West Pines Road in Oregon until May 1.
This project is part of the National Day of Service for Ogle County 4-H Members.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.