Learning About Food Insecurity

During two Sundays in March, REE hosted all-ages classes to learn more about food insecurity in Champaign County and about how we can support the UUCUC Little Free Pantries.

Food and Nutrition Security means that all people, at all times, have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary and cultural needs for a healthy and active life. 

In Champaign County, Illinois, food insecurity affects over 26,000 residents, with a food insecurity rate of 10.5% overall and 12.2% for children, according to Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap project. This is higher than the state of Illinois average. Poverty, food deserts, economic challenges, and increase in SNAP enrollment are some of the factors contributing to this.

Participants made hygiene kits and breakfast bags to put in the Little Free Pantry that serves our Urbana neighborhood. In addition to the pantry outside of the church, we also support one in Champaign. Our Little Free Pantry is like a safety net. Pat Nolan, who helps lead this effort, said that our pantries offer a readily available, no strings attached, non-judgemental, and anonymous access to food and other items people may find difficult to get. Our pantries help feed and support those not easily able to meet everyday food and personal needs: our neighbors as well as people in our congregation.

Ways you can keep learning and take action on this topic

1. Watch this short video on how kids can L.E.A.P. into action to advocate for food justice.
   
   
2. We read Lulu and the Hunger Monster and Pa, Me, and the Sidewalk Pantry. Check out these and other books for kids or adults about food justice on the UUCUC Bookshop.org page. UUCUC receives a small percent of all purchases made through our store.
   
   
3. Common Ground Food Co-op shared some delicious local produce with our class. They are doing a food drive through April 20, 2025 to support the UUCUC Little Free Pantries. Purchase items such as canned goods, shelf-stable items, personal care items, pet food or supplies, cleaning supplies, and more.
   
   
4. Support the UUCUC Little Food Pantries. Most of the items we put in our pantries come from individual donations and there are several volunteers that help manage the supplies and do maintenance. The pantries are stocked up to five times a week to help maximum our inventory and make sure something is always offered. Sign up to support the pantry for a week in 2025 by making donations or helping stock. 
   
   
5.  There are lots of other ways to connect with organizations in CU that are working on food justice. Download a list of some local resources to access food, donate food, volunteer, or learn more about. Let REE know if you are interested in volunteering as part of a larger group!