BENTON/WEST FRANKFORT – The Franklin County Emergency Management Agency and Illinois Extension are joining forces with local grocery stores and food pantries to host the Prepare and Prevent the Second Disaster Food Drive.
It will be held Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Benton Save A Lot on East Main. Food collected at this event will be provided to the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry. The event will also be held Saturday during the same time period at McCord’s Market on South Logan Street in West Frankfort. Food collected at this event will be provided to Crosswalk Community Action Agency’s Food Program – Safe Food, Safe Seniors.
FCEMA and Illinois Extension staff will be on-site during each event providing education and resources while also collecting donations for the food pantries.
FCEMA says you should have a three to five day supply of ready to eat canned food and non-perishable food items in case of an emergency.
According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap, there are over 6,000 individuals in Franklin County that struggle with having enough food to eat.
For those interested, preferred shopping lists for food pantry needs will be provided.
Preferred shopping items for your emergency preparedness kit and local food pantries include peanut butter, canned soup, canned tuna, canned vegetables, and canned fruit, and a few additional items needed by our food pantries include pasta sauce, spaghetti, and mac and cheese.
