Programs aimed at addressing food insecurity in Peoria County have a new pathway toward resources to assist their efforts.
The Peoria City/County Health Department has announced a funding opportunity totaling $100,000 for at least two and as many as five projects to help feed working families.
Michelle Compton, the health department’s Child and Family Health Program Coordinator, said the funding opportunity stems from a desire to have a greater impact in helping those struggling to make ends meet.
“Despite working and having an income, we see many families still struggle to cover basic needs, including food,” Compton said in a news release. “There are many households in our community that truly do not know when their next meal will be.”
Peoria County reports an overall food insecurity rate of 14.5%, according to data from the hunger relief organization Feeding America. More than 40% of the households identified as food insecure have too high of an income to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP].
The Peoria County Board of Health initially allocated the funding for the health department’s pantry, and is expanding its scope to fund larger projects. The new funding opportunity is for projects in the $20,000-$50,000 range.
Programs assisting households with at least one individual with an income and one child under 18 living in the home are eligible to receive the funding.
“Expanding access and decreasing food insecurity aligns with our Community Health Needs Assessment and falls under our strategic priorities as a health department,” said Board of Health president Benjamin Brewer. “We hope organizations with tested programs, as well as those with new ideas, apply for this funding.”
The application deadline is Sept. 4. Interested organizations or individuals can find more details on the health department’s website.
