The Salvation Army of Champaign County is urgently calling for food, monetary donations, and volunteers to help meet the growing demand at its food pantry. The organization reports a dramatic rise in local food insecurity, with the pantry serving 5,488 people in October and experiencing more than a 50% increase in visitors in recent days.

How Residents Can Help

• Volunteer: Individuals can volunteer for as little as one hour per week or commit to full-day shifts helping with tasks such as packing bags, stocking shelves, loading carts, answering phones, and assisting with data entry. Volunteer hours are Monday–Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Salvation Army Red Shield Center, 2212 N. Market St., Champaign. To volunteer, call 217-373-7832.
• Donate Food: Shelf-stable and protein-rich donations are especially helpful, including canned vegetables and beans, peanut butter, meat, eggs, and cheese. Food donations can be dropped off at the Red Shield Center between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
• Give Financially: Financial gifts allow The Salvation Army to purchase food in bulk to stretch each dollar further and serve more people. Donations can be made online at SAchampaign.org, with all contributions staying local to support Champaign County families.