The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

Salt & Light Can-less Food Drive raises funds to feed hungry

Salt & Light Ministry, located on Anthony Drive in Champaign, is organizing a new type of canned food drive — one without any canned foods.

Nearly 258 local business in Champaign County will be participating in the first annual Salt & Light Can-less Food Drive throughout the month of June. Melany Jackson, ministry assistant at Salt and Light, said they are breaking the mold of traditional food drives by placing one gallon paint cans, which resemble a Campbell’s soup can, in locations around Champaign-Urbana.

Cash and check donations are accepted in the can at places such as Jerry’s IGA, Subway, Starbucks and Houlihan’s Restaurant.

“We are excited to be a part of this and will support anything Salt & Light is doing to help the community,” said Brian Durkin, general manager of Houlihan’s Restaurant.

Originally, Salt & Light hoped to gain support from at least 200 businesses.

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Two weeks ago, the number of supporters grew when word got out about the ministry’s shortage of food reserves. Jackson said both low-income families and unemployed individuals were showing up at the pantry seeking for food to feed their families.

“It’s important for people to give financially, just as well as they give cans of corn and soup,” Jackson said.

Cash donations help food pantries like Salt & Light purchase food from the Eastern Illinois Foodbank at a discounted price to feed hungry women, men and children in the Champaign-Urbana community.

“A donation of 25 dollars can help feed three families of four people,” Jackson said.

Andrea Rundell, director of external and agency relations for the Foodbank, said she expects the number of people to increase over the next three months.

She said low-income families who rely on the reduced breakfast and lunch programs during the school year are now dependent on food pantries since school is no longer in session. On average, Salt & Light provides staple food items such as canned fruit and vegetables, cereal, rice and boxed dinners to 1500 people a week, which equates to about 400 families or more.

“This is a tangible way to make a difference in the lives of people who really need some help right now,” Jackson said.

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