A food distribution program that has operated in Fairfield is moving to Mt. Vernon, where United Way of South Central Illinois will take over operations beginning Thursday, November 5th. The transition comes after the individuals who previously operated the Fairfield distribution program decided to retire.
United Way Executive Director Nat Shook said the organization will receive two semitrailer loads of food each month from Midwest Food Bank in Bloomington-Normal. Volunteers will unload, sort and distribute the food to participating pantries throughout Southern Illinois.
Initially, 17 food pantries are expected to participate, with that number potentially increasing to 23.
Shook said the move will prevent local food pantries from having to travel to Bloomington to collect their supplies, a trip that would create additional transportation expenses and logistical challenges for organizations relying heavily on volunteers.
Transporting refrigerated and frozen food over that distance would also present difficulties.
Under the new arrangement, the first truck is expected to arrive around 9 a.m. with nonperishable food items. A second truck will deliver refrigerated and frozen products.
Midwest Food Bank is providing cooling blankets and other supplies to help maintain proper temperatures while volunteers prepare the food for distribution.
United Way is seeking approximately 25 volunteers to assist with unloading shipments, sorting food and preparing individual orders for participating pantries. About half of the needed volunteers have already been recruited.
Shook said volunteers do not have to commit an entire day, noting that even an hour of assistance can make a difference.
United Way representatives have visited the former Fairfield distribution operation and a similar program at City Hope Church in Centralia to help develop an efficient system for the new location.
The City of Mt. Vernon is assisting with traffic and parking arrangements, while the fire department will provide electronic signs to help direct vehicles during distribution.
A donated forklift will be used to move shipments, and SSM Health has contributed funding for additional supplies. United Way also plans to reuse pallets from existing programs to help reduce operating expenses.
Shook said the goal is to maintain the amount of food that participating pantries have been receiving while making distribution more convenient and efficient.
The organization has already established a distribution schedule for 2027, indicating plans to continue the program beyond its initial deliveries.
The new operation will complement United Way’s existing food assistance efforts, including Hunters for the Hungry and United We Give.
Individuals, businesses and community organizations interested in volunteering can contact United Way of South Central Illinois at 618-242-8000 or visit the organization’s website for volunteer registration information.