AmeriCorps Project

Eastern Illinois Foodbank currently runs a federally grant-funded program with AmeriCorps by which members of AmeriCorps identify areas of poverty throughout eastern Illinois. In effect, the project will determine the gaps in the region where food needs are not being met through the current agency network and other volunteer efforts.

The project involves comparing the current service statistics with data obtained from surveys conducted of underserved areas to evaluate the effectiveness of the emergency food network and examine the barriers that hinder service.

The AmeriCorps Project also involves surveying and assessing what current resources are available in the various communities throughout eastern Illinois to provide hunger relief. This research work, conducted in cooperation with the University of Illinois, involves local food donors, churches, welfare and community agencies, financial supporters and local sources of volunteers.

The end product will be a determination of pockets or gaps of underserved people and the creation of new assemblies of individuals and organizations to establish effective emergency food programs where significant hunger relief needs remain.

In addition, the AmeriCorps Project will enable the Foodbank to heighten its efforts to enhance the capacities of member agencies to serve those in need, especially in rural areas.

We are pleased to be a part of this national program.