Stacy Jones, Director of Services at the Collinsville Food Pantry, highlights the organization’s mission with a simple yet powerful message: “Food insecurity doesn’t stop after the holidays. People are hungry every day. If you need us, we’re here. If you can give, don’t forget us.”
The Collinsville Food Pantry is more than a food distribution center—it’s a lifeline for individuals and families in need. Through a range of vital programs, the pantry provides food, support, and hope to the Collinsville community.
Essential Programs at the Collinsville Food Pantry
1. Tote Me Home Program
The Tote Me Home Program ensures that children in the Collinsville Unit 10 School District don’t go hungry over the weekend. For many students, school meals are their primary source of nutrition, so this program steps in to fill the gap.
Here’s how it works:
- Teachers, principals, or social workers identify food-insecure students anonymously, ensuring privacy.
- The pantry prepares discreet food bags, which are delivered to schools on Fridays for students to take home.
Each bag is packed with nutritious, easy-to-prepare items like:
- Canned protein (tuna, chicken, or chili)
- Pasta, rice, or cereal
- Vegetables and fruit cups
- Healthy snacks (granola bars, crackers)
- Juice or milk boxes
This program continues during summer break through partnerships like HHH at St. John’s, ensuring year-round support. The program has grown to serve over 217 children weekly this year, a testament to its impact and necessity.
2. Food Pantry Shopping Experience
The pantry offers a client-choice shopping experience, allowing families to select the food they need, reducing waste and promoting dignity.
- Shopping Stations: Clients browse categories like cereals, proteins, vegetables, and pasta.
- Fresh Produce and Proteins: Weekly donations from local stores like Walmart provide fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
- Bonus Items: Extras like baked goods, pastries, and Little Caesars pizzas are often available.
3. Soup Kitchen
Every Tuesday and Thursday, the pantry serves hot meals to the community, averaging 215 meals per session. This program operates thanks to partnerships with local churches, nonprofits, and businesses that donate time, food, and resources.
4. Transient Program
The pantry supports the transient population with pre-packed bags of ready-to-eat food and toiletries.
Each bag includes:
- Easy-to-open meals like canned chicken, fruit cups, and protein shakes
- Hygiene essentials: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and wet wipes
- Bottled water and utensil packs
Bags are also distributed at locations like St. John’s Church, the Collinsville Police Department, and the Presbyterian Church to ensure accessibility.
5. Holiday Food & Toy Giveaway
Every December, the pantry hosts a Christmas Food Basket and Toy Giveaway, bringing holiday cheer to families in need.
Registered families receive:
- A food basket with Christmas dinner staples and additional pantry items
- Opportunities to “shop” for age-appropriate toys, books, puzzles, and cold-weather gear
- A chance for children to meet Santa and take a festive photo
This beloved event ensures families can experience the joy of the holidays without worrying about basic needs.
How You Can Help the Collinsville Food Pantry
Volunteers are the heartbeat of the pantry, and there’s always room for more hands. Opportunities include:
- Sorting and Organizing Donations: Ensuring all items are checked, sorted, and ready for distribution.
- Packing Bags: Helping with the Tote Me Home Program and transient bags.
- Soup Kitchen Support: Serving, and assisting with cleanup.
- Food Distribution: Assisting families as they shop for groceries.
How to Volunteer at Collinsville Food Pantry:
- Stop by the pantry during business hours.
- Call or email to schedule your availability.
Support Your Local Food Bank
The Collinsville Food Pantry depends on community support to sustain its programs.
Here’s how you can help:
- Monetary Donations: Monthly donations large or small makes a significant impact.
- Food Donations: Non-perishable items like canned proteins, vegetables, and snacks are always needed.
- Hygiene Products: Items like soap, toothbrushes, shampoo, and feminine hygiene products are invaluable.
Awareness Matters
As Stacy Jones says, “People are hungry every day.” The pantry isn’t just for the holidays—it’s a year-round resource that needs consistent community support. Every dollar, every can of food, and every volunteer hour helps keep this vital service running.
Volunteer in Person or Donate via Text to Collinsville Food Pantry
Join the Collinsville Food Pantry in its mission to fight hunger and support families. Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word, your contribution makes a difference.
Volunteer in Person
Get quick volunteer information at collinsvillefoodpantry.org/volunteer.
Give Financially
If you’d like to give financially, take advantage of the Collinsville Food Pantry’s Text to Give option by texting COLLINSVILLE CARES to 44321. You can make a one-time or recurring donation.
Contact Collinsville Food Pantry:
📍 Location: 2009 Mall St, Collinsville, IL 62234
📞 Phone: (618) 346-1861
Website: collinsvillefoodpantry.org
Facebook: facebook.com/collinsvillefoodpantry
✉ Email: [email protected]
Together, we can ensure that no neighbor goes hungry—on weekends, holidays, or any day of the year. Every bit of support helps, and the Collinsville Food Pantry is here for everyone in need.