Don’t let food go to waste.

Approximately 120 billion pounds of food is thrown away in the United States each year, while more than 134,000 individuals in eastern Illinois aren't sure where they'll get their next meal. Eastern Illinois Foodbank created the Retailers Against Hunger program to help eliminate food waste in our area and redirect quality food to local individuals and families facing food insecurity. Retailers Against Hunger is a partnership between local food retailers and Eastern Illinois Foodbank that's provided millions of meals to EIF’s network of food pantries, school markets, soup kitchens, shelters, and other emergency feeding programs.    

Food retailers are fighting hunger.

Food received from retailers is often highly nutritious and generally the most expensive for the Foodbank to obtain. Meat, dairy, produce, and baked goods are among the most donated items from stores in the Retailers Against Hunger program. Retail pickups are scheduled during warehouse hours on a recurring basis, or the Foodbank will connect member agencies in areas with nearby retailers to conduct store pick-ups. This ensures food doesn’t go to waste, and is distributed as quickly as possible. Standard food safety guidelines are followed with all retail pickups and donations made in good faith are covered by The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act. 

To be a part of the Retailers Against Hunger program, contact our Partner Relations team at 217-328-3663.