United Way of Mclean County (UWMC) is responding to gaps in food access with a new collaborative effort to address hunger. This initiative brings together local businesses such as grocery stores, restaurants, and local farmers to provide food for impacted families.

United Way has already started collaborations with the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, the Bloomington Normal Economic Development Council, local grocers and restaurants, local farmers, area schools, large employers, and nonprofit organizations to source and distribute non-perishable items. UWMC President & CEO David Taylor explains, “The aim is to stabilize food access for families impacted by COVID-19 while also providing income to local businesses and farms so they can keep paying their employees. These same employees are often the ones who are one crisis away from poverty themselves. Keeping the money circulating in McLean County while also feeding families in need is a win-win.”

An initial $50,000 food access assistance effort has been approved. As the need persists, United Way and their partners will evaluate how to expand the COVID-19 Community Care Fund’s resource base through in-kind or additional monetary support.

Anyone can donate directly to the COVID-19 Community Care Fund at covid19.dsgive.us to help support this and other future efforts to help mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 in our county. A $5 donation will provide a nutritious meal, $20 will feed a family of four. More information is available at: https://uwmclean.org/covid-19-community-care-fund/