In response to area hunger and increased food pantry need, Dot Foods, one of the area's largest employers, is hosting a luncheon event October 9 at the Mt. Sterling Community Center YMCA. The goal of this event is to show appreciation and demonstrate how local food pantries can apply for grants from Dot Foods.
Nearly 20 food pantries have signed up for the event, which features presentations, lunch and assistance on applying for grants from Dot's Charitable Committee.
"The event is to show our appreciation of the food pantries' efforts to fight hunger in the area," said Suzy Kassing, Dot Charitable Committee chair. "We want to give them an opportunity to network and introduce them to our charitable programs. We also want to educate our own employees."
The event comes on the heels of recent food pantry donations totaling over $62,000. Dot has donated $32,728 in cash and $29,728 in Dot Country Store credit to seven Central Illinois Foodbank food pantries since August.
Food pantry grant amounts are calculated based upon the number of individuals a food pantry serves. Donations have been made to the following food pantries:
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The Meredosia Food Pantry received a donation of $3,000 for capital improvements on the electrical and insulation to their facilities.
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The Jacksonville Area Community Food Center received $2,354 in cash and $2,354 in Dot Country Store credit towards the purchase of food.
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Two Rivers Council Foundation of Brown County food pantry received a cash grant of $2,266 and $2,266 in Dot Country Store credit.
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Two Rivers Council Foundation of Pike County food pantry received a cash donation of $13,420 to go along with $13,420 in Dot Country Store credit.
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The Barry Food Pantry received $7,282 in cash and $7,282 in Dot Country Store credit.
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The Madonna House food pantry in Quincy, IL received a grant of $3,031 in cash and $3,031 in Dot Country Store credit to assist in feeding an average of 530 individuals each month.
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The Luther Memorial Church Food Pantry in Quincy was awarded a grant of $1,375 in cash and $1,375 in Dot Country Store credit