Editor’s note: Earlier in April 2025, Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen testified against cuts to food purchase funds, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP.)
Leveda Ashlin submitted this report.
As we finish the first quarter of 2025 we, like many other organizations, are struggling to make a budget plan to stretch our current funds. The uncertainty of the effect from the USDA major budget cuts worries us, our suppliers, and our clients. These budget cuts will affect the Free School Lunch Program, and the food donations to food banks (which then filter down to all food pantries.) SNAP is also threatened by cuts, which will drive more families to visit their food pantry.
It is a given that food pantries have seen an uptick in signups and are trying to plan how to handle the probability of larger numbers of clients. We are no exception, which is why we need your help. Monetary donations are needed to cover the cost of purchasing more food items to meet this need.
We have been heartened by past donations we have received and are so appreciative of those who have stepped up.
As you start planning your gardens, remember that we can receive fresh fruit and produce; please keep us in mind. Last year we had several gardeners who brought in excess tomatoes, apples, green beans, radishes, rhubarb, etc., which were received enthusiastically by our clients. Fresh fruit and vegetables are always popular. Several people have donated farm fresh eggs, which helps everyone stretch their meal preparations, along with beef, pork, and venison.
[Editor’s note: Morrison’s Jerry Brearton coordinated a first-time donation from his employer, Neumiller Farms, Inc. of Savanna, IL. In 2024, he arranged fresh produce delivery by Food Pantry Board Member Rick Smith.]
Last year the Morrison Charitable Food Pantry served a total of 744 households, with a total of 2078 people. As you can see, the need is there and will only grow, as the cuts start to filter down.
We are a 501(c)(3) Corporation which enables donors to claim a tax deduction for their donations. (Please check with your tax preparer for advice prior to filing.) We do not receive any tax monies from the City, County, State or Federal governments. Instead, we rely on donations from the private sector, such as yourself, to sustain our mission of easing food insecurity in Morrison.
All donations received stay here in Morrison, to help the people of Morrison. Please, help however you can. If you have questions, email us at morrisonfoodpantry.org. Text or call 815-441-2733. Mail monetary donations to Morrison Charitable Food Pantry NFP, P.O. Box 324, Morrison, IL, 61270.
Contact any of our Board Members: Leveda Ashlin, Rick Deter, Randy Kuehl, Carole Patton, Rick Smith, Sheila Sonberg, Cal Vandermyde, Kathie VanderVinne, and Paul VanderVinne. We look forward to hearing from you soon.