MACOMB, IL – The Good Food Collaborative (GFC) and Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC) have announced that WIRC will be assuming operational control and ownership of the GFC Food Pantry in Macomb, marking the next phase for the choice-based food pantry that has served over 1000 households in McDonough County.
The decision came after GFC officials approached WIRC leadership with a restructuring proposal that was approved during a WIRC Board meeting in February 2024 and is expected to be start April 1, 2024.
“The pantry has become a much-needed community resource and will continue under the supervision of WIRC,” said Richard Chamberlain, GFC Board President. “GFC will be involved in the transition as WIRC moves forward and we feel this is a natural evolution for the pantry. We are confident that WIRC-CAA will continue our vision of a choice-based storefront pantry, and with their energy and resources, perhaps take it to another level. We feel we have given them the tools to ensure the pantry will continue to be a valued community resource.”
Officials on both sides want to reassure the public that food pantry services will continue at its current location in Macomb with little-to-no interruption during the transition. Beginning April 1, pantry staff and volunteers will be under the supervision of WIRC-CAA management. To further ensure a seamless transition, GFC Board members will be available for consultation during the changeover.
Nancy Mowen, Board Chair of WIRC-CAA said, “We are pleased to have been a supporting partner with GFC and proud they have confidence in our ability to continue and build upon their dedicated work.”
“This is a choice-based food pantry by and for people of McDonough County,” said WIRC Community Services and Public Relations Director Jamie Roth. “GFC started thanks to a group of concerned McDonough County residents during the pandemic, and it has grown tremendously since then. We are thankful for the trust that GFC has in WIRC to continue this project.”
To learn more about the choice-based food pantry, call WIRC at 309-837-2997, find them on social media, or visit https://wirpc.org.
To learn more about the Good Food Collaborative, find them on social media or visit https://goodfoodcollaborative.org.
WIRC and GFC are equal opportunity employers and providers.
