Illinois State Senator Scott M. Bennett

Bennett: COVID-19 affecting food pantries’ supply

CHAMPAIGN – Since the outbreak of COVID-19, food pantries are actively working to ensure food access to community members in need. In order to food pantryj

meet the increased demand for help, food pantries are seeking community donations. Some are requesting specific food items. All are accepting monetary donations.

“Food pantries will see an increase in families needing help in the coming weeks as people are furloughed, social distancing and self-quarantined,” Bennett said. “Vulnerable families and seniors are relying on their services now more than ever and can’t serve our community alone. Please donate today, if you can.”

The following food pantries are currently accepting donations and are distributing food on a drive-up basis only. Call first:

Champaign County

Eastern Illinois Food Bank, (2405 N Shore Dr, Urbana): Donations may be made online at eifoodbank.org. If you prefer to write a check, make checks payable to Eastern Illinois Foodbank and mail to 2405 North Shore Drive, Urbana, IL, 61802.
Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, 116 N 1st St, Champaign: The pantry is asking for donations of fresh fruit to add to sack lunches. Donations can be dropped off at the back door anytime from 8-12:30.
Jubilee Café (located inside Community United Church of Christ), 805 South 6th, Champaign: The pantry is asking for monetary donations, make checks payable to Community United Church of Christ.
Restoration Urban Ministries, 1213 Parkland Ct., Champaign: The pantry is asking for fresh fruit and monetary donations through the Eastern Illinois Food Bank.
Windsor Road Christian Church, 2501 Windsor Rd., Champaign: The pantry is asking for evaporated milk, peanut butter, cereal, canned meat (i.e. chicken, ham, tuna), and boxed meals.
Faith United Methodist Church, 1719 S. Prospect, Champaign: The pantry is asking for canned fruit, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, flour, and tuna.
Grace Lutheran Church, 313 S. Prospect, Champaign: The pantry is asking for cereal, canned veggies, and canned fruit.
St. Patrick’s Church, 708 West Main Street Parking on north side of Chuch enter off of Coler Ave. or, N Busey Ave, Urbana.

Vermilion County

Danville Rescue Mission, 834 Bowman Ave, Danville: Monetary donations may be made online at danvillemission.com
Danville Township Food Pantry, 101 W North St, Danville: The pantry is asking for non-perishable foods and prepackaged meals to cook at home.
First Church of Christ Food Pantry, 503 N Main, Georgetown: Monetary donations may be made any time any where with “text to give”, text 84321 with the “$amount” or online at https://gtownfcoc.churchcenter.com/giving
Oakwood Area Food Pantry, 202 S Scott St, Oakwood: Monetary donations may be made online at www.feedoakwood.myevent.com.
Salvation Army Food Pantry, 855 E Fairchild, Danville: Monetary donations may be made online at https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/danville/.
St. James Food Pantry, 504 North Vermilion, Danville
Georgetown Township Food Pantry, 1805 N. Main St, Georgetown: The pantry is asking for non-perishable food items.

Please check with your local food pantry for additional donation and delivery guidelines.

Bennett: Blood banks in need of adequate blood supply

CHAMPAIGN – Blood centers around the state are facing a decrease in blood donation appointments and cancellation of blood drives due to COVID-19. Under the circumstances, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging those willing and able to donate blood.

“While our national attention is on the coronavirus, other health issues – like anemia, serious injuries, surgeries, and cancer patients that require blood – continue at pre-pandemic rates,” Bennett said. “If you are healthy and eligible, it is critical to donate now.”

The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center is closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 and has emphasized that individuals are not at risk of contracting COVID-19 from donating blood. There is also no known risk of the safety of the nation’s blood supply, only the adequacy of the supply at this time.

“While staying home and minimizing contact with others is recommended, it’s even more vital now that healthy people donate blood to maintain a safe and adequate blood supply,” Bennett said. “Blood collection saves lives.”

Bennett announces Earth Day art contest in response to school closures

CHAMPAIGN – The outbreak of COVID-19 has led to school closures in Illinois, potentially leaving parents responsible for home-schooling their children for the remainder of March. While families are making arrangements, State Senator Scott Bennett is launching an educational art contest to help keep students occupied.

As of Friday, Governor JB Pritzker ordered all K-12 schools — both public and private — be closed from March 17 to March 30 to further safeguard communities from the spread of the virus.

Schools are working around the clock to implement various plans to help meet children’s academic needs from home. During this time, children will be left with limited options to get out of the house, which is why Senator Bennett (D-Champaign) announced an educational art contest Tuesday.

“With travel plans cancelled, school closures, and many people working remotely, parents have a daunting task ahead of them this month,” Bennett said. “I know these closures are going to be an inconvenience, so it will be important for kids to productively fill their downtime at home. This art contest will serve as another educational opportunity.”

Bennett responds to coronavirus in Champaign County

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CHAMPAIGN - The number of COVID-19 cases are on the rise, including one confirmed case in Champaign County. State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is urging residents to take preventative precautions during this rapidly evolving situation.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the total number of coronavirus cases in Illinois now stands at 93 as of Sunday.

“Information about coronavirus has quickly overwhelmed people’s sense of certainty,” Bennett said. “I want to assure Champaign County residents that we are well prepared for any and all emergency situations thanks to the tireless efforts and preparations made by IDPH, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, and our public health partners.”

IDPH is encouraging the public to remain vigilant to help manage the spread of coronavirus and recommends the following:

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Don’t shake hands, and avoid large gatherings and air travel.
• Avoid close contact with sick people who have respiratory symptoms.
• Put distance between yourself and other people. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then immediately throw it away.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

“It’s important to take these recommendations seriously,” Bennett said. “As this situation continues to evolve, please take care of yourself and your neighbors who are most vulnerable to this disease.”

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District at 217-352-7961 or visit dph.illinois.gov.

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Bennett: COVID-19 affecting food pantries’ supply

Bennett: Blood banks in need of adequate blood supply

Bennett announces Earth Day art contest in response to school closures

Bennett responds to coronavirus in Champaign County

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