Like many food pantries, Livingston County Food Pantry saw an increase in people needing food during the pandemic. They shifted their operations but remained open because building a relationship with their clients is vital to them, says Bill Fairfield, a volunteer.
“Midwest Food Bank has partnered with Livingston Food Pantry for over 13 years,” says Debi Petrillo, Agency Coordinator for MFB, Bloomington-Normal. “Over this time, they have consistently served their community, even throughout COVID, without closing. What a blessing to us and those they serve.”
Livingston County Food Pantry receives food, free of charge, from MFB Normal, IL, twice each month. They provide service to about 440 people throughout their region. The pantry utilizes about 25 volunteers to distribute food, and at Christmas, they host events that include gift cards for families. The recipients are often overwhelmed by this gesture and tell pantry volunteers it’s more than they could have ever expected.
Recently a woman named Donna was going through a divorce and received food from Livingston County. “She was so grateful, and we just want to extend love,” says Bill.
Pantries like Livingston County are on the front lines in the fight against food insecurity, placing the food into the hands of those that need it.
