CAIRO, Ill. — Nonprofit human services organization Arrowleaf is hosting a food drive through the month of September to support its Client Choice Food Pantries in Vienna and Cairo. On Thursday, the Cairo location — in the back of the recently remodeled building — featured lightly-populated shelves and a smattering of produce.
Arrowleaf Development Officer Allison Schuster said the need is widespread across the region, and it has only risen with increases in the price of food over the last couple of years.
"Two of our counties — Alexander and Pulaski County — are considered food deserts,” said Schuster. “The remaining five counties that we serve in the Southern Seven are considered food insecure."
Arrowleaf Development Officer Allison Schuster said food insecurity is widespread across southern Illinois.
Living in a food desert, defined as areas with limited access to good-quality fresh food, can cause a range of struggles. Getting to and from the store can be difficult — and often the only available location can be something like a Dollar General, which offers little in the way of fresh produce and other nutritious foods.
For the food drive, Arrowleaf is looking for staples like eggs, crackers, sugar, butter, cheese, peanut butter, and bread. Also helpful, though, are less fundamental items.
“Something that not a lot of people think to donate are condiments, spices,” said Schuster. “Having ketchup, having mustard, even something as simple as salt and pepper really is a lifeline for a lot of people. It’s a comfort.”
One thing that sets Arrowleaf’s pantries apart: clients receive a shopping cart and are able to walk through the space and choose their own items, rather than just receiving a box of food. Schuster said operating client choose pantries is a way of addressing the diversity of the communities they serve.
“A lot of individuals have food restrictions, and so being able to choose what they need is going to help meet their needs, for them and their family. And we do have different sections within the pantry that are gluten free, for instance,” said Schuster.
While the pantries predominantly serve mothers with children, people living with disabilities, and senior citizens, the spaces are open to anyone, no questions asked.
Arrowleaf said their pantries have fed more than 6,000 people in the last two years.
“If you need help, we are here to help you,” said Schuster.
According to Schuster, people in the community can sometimes be hesitant to visit a food pantry, even when they are struggling.
"It's okay to ask for help, because they’re not alone,” said Schuster. “We have over 8,000 people in our region who are going through the same struggle."
She reiterated: "Nobody's being judged. That's what we're here for."
Schuster said the organization is looking for local partners, alongside individual donations.
“We’re hoping to team up with churches, schools, organizations within the community who would be willing to just simply set out a box to collect food items,” said Schuster. “Any of our facilities within southern Illinois can be drop off locations, and we can also arrange for pickup.”
The pantries are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 101 Oliver Street in Vienna, and at 1401 Washington Ave in Cairo.
Arrowleaf is also looking for volunteers to help out at their pantry locations. Interested individuals can reach out to Arrowleaf directly.
