Many from area join to help fight hunger

<p class="p1"><a href="http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state/index.cfm" target="_blank">University of Illinois Extension</a> teamed up with several organizations, including local 4-H groups, for the first Illini Fighting Hunger event in Southern Illinois at Shawnee Community College on Saturday, Nov. 15.</p><p class="p2">The goal was for volunteers to fill rice-based packages to give to local pantries and school backpack programs.</p><p class="p2">Volunteers came from the southernmost counties in Illinois. All the packaged meals will stay within Alexander, Pulaski, Massac, Johnson and Union counties.</p><p class="p2">In these counties, 16 percent, or 9,130 people, face food insecurity, according to 2012 Feeding America.</p><p class="p2">Among those who volunteered were 4-H clubs, churches, the Shawnee Community College Agriculture Club, students from the college and other interested helpers. </p><p class="p2">Dena Wood, program coordinator, 4-H and youth development for Alexander, Pulaski and Union counties, said there were several more volunteers than organizers had expected.</p><p class="p2">The goal was to package 50,000 meals. Workers exceeded that goal; they continued to work until all of the supplies were used.</p><p class="p2">The U of I Extension voiced appreciation to all of those who helped, including:</p><p class="p2">Illini Fighting Hunger; Shawnee Community College; Tim Bellemey, SCC president; ADM; Dave Stewart, ADM; Ryan Thurston, ADM; CGB Mound City; Martin Rice Company; Wilburn Farms and Dozer Service; Rex Wilburn, Pulaski County commissioner.</p><p class="p2">Jason Taylor; Jay Hogendobler, River Ag; HCE volunteers and donors; Ryan Britton Farms; Salem Lutheran Church, Jonesboro; Shawnee Development Council; Bill Million, state 4-H office; Gregory Damhurst, Wesley Foundation.</p><p class="p2">Southern Seven Health Department; University of Illinois Extension staff and spouses; 4-H parents and volunteers; SCC Agriculture Club; SCC volunteers; SCC Ambassadors. </p><p class="p2">Massac County Clever Clovers; Happy Hillbillies; Choate's Lads and Lassies; Johnson County Clever Clovers; Helping Hands; Pulaski County 4H Explorers; Alexander County Horseshoe Lakers; Villa Ridge Ag.</p><p class="p2">Reaching for the Stars; Ag Shak Traditions; Johnson County Shooting Sports; MCML 4H Club; Lick Creek 4-H; Triple E Bar-BQ; K103 live remote broadcast; Goreville Lucky Lakers; A-J Clever Clovers; Ridge Runners and others.</p>

<p class="p1">Many volunteers participated in the Illini Fighting Hunger event at Shawnee Community College on Saturday, Nov. 15. The goal was to make packages of food and deliver them to local pantries and school backpack programs. </p>