Two Macomb grocery stores are doing their part to help feed those members of their community who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which has been stopping during the government shutdown. The program serves 1.9 million people across Illinois, including 64,000 families in the 17th Congressional District, which includes McDonough and other west central Illinois counties.
During the week of Nov. 3, Macomb's Hy-Vee provided $3 meals each evening, with children 12 and under eating free. The store continued the efforts by offering $3 breakfast (no charge for kids under 12) this past weekend. According to Macomb Hy-Vee Director Will Woods, they served 2,137 meals Monday-Friday.
'The Macomb Hy-Vee is here to help serve the community. The people of the community support our store, and we want to do what we can to make sure no one goes hungry during times of uncertainty,' Woods said. 'We are grateful for the support of our supplier and business partners who have helped us in this effort.'
Additional meal options continue this week through Friday:
• Tuesday: HyChi Chicken or pork vegetable stir fry with rice and appetizer
• Wednesday: Breakfast for dinner
• Thursday: Chicken drumstick, steakhouse potato salad, cookie
• Friday: Sloppy Joes and green beans The store is also offering $5 and $10 bags of food for individuals to purchase to be donated to the Good Food Pantry in Macomb. This program will run through Nov. 16.
To date, 37 $5 bags have been sold and 80 $10 bags have been purchased. The store's Holiday Hope program will run Nov.
17-Dec. 21. Shoppers can purchase a $10 or $20 bag of food, which will be donated to the local Salvation Army.
Jackson Street Market in Macomb announced via their Facebook page last Friday that they are providing packages of frozen ground beef, while supplies last, to SNAP recipients.
The Bushnell Market is stepping up to support its community during tough times. On Oct. 30, the store announced on Facebook that it was giving away essentials — including 1 pound of ground beef, a dozen eggs, a loaf of bread, and a box of cereal — to those in need.
The post added, “As time goes on, we plan to offer even more essentials to help families — especially those with children — get through difficult times.”
Residents in Bushnell who need assistance are encouraged to stop by the store anytime, no questions asked. “We’d love to help however we can,” the market said.
The message concluded with a call for community support: “Together, we can make sure no one in our community goes hungry. Anyone is welcome to add more food support.”
Signed - The Bushnell Market Family. Check the Bushnell Market Facebook page for updates
