Our Programs

In addition to working with more than 170 member agencies across 18 counties in eastern Illinois, Eastern Illinois Foodbank operates a handful of emergency feeding programs to help meet unmet need and alleviate hunger among the most vulnerable populations.  The Foodbank strives to increase access to healthy foods such as produce, dairy, nonperishable fruits and vegetables, grains, and meat to those in situations of food insecurity and hunger through the following programs:

School Market: The School Market Program is aimed at alleviating childhood hunger through the provision of food to children and their families at school.  School markets are located on the grounds of a school, and are intended to provide a more readily accessible source of food assistance to students and their families. Click here to view current school market locations.

BackPack: Backpacks full of food for children at risk of weekend hunger are delivered directly to students at school through EIF partner agencies, Feeding Our Kids and Food for Kids.

Foodmobile: Foodmobiles are mobile food pantries that are designed to increase access to nutritious food for residents in rural and under-served communities.  Each Foodmobile delivers approximately 10,000 pounds of food to 100-150 households.  The cost to partner with the Foodbank on a Foodmobile distribution is $3,000.  Businesses, organizations and individuals that are interested in sponsoring a Foodmobile distribution should contact EIF's Development Department at 217-328-3663.  Click here to view our current Foodmobile schedule.

Food as Medicine:  The Foodbank works with the Champaign Urbana Public Health Department and Promise Healthcare at Frances Nelson Health Center to serve patients and individuals that are struggling to afford an adequate diet for healthy living. Learn more about the connection between hunger and health here.