The Eastern Illinois Foodbank is the primary food source for food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and other programs working to feed the hungry. Each year, we distribute millions of pounds of food across our network of more than 200 such programs. Together, we’re working to create a hunger-free eastern Illinois. The Foodbank accepts donated and discounted food from a variety of sources and distributes it to 220 emergency food programs, such as food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. By partnering with EIF, emergency food programs are able to save millions of dollars each year in food purchase and handling costs. These savings allow them to focus their efforts and funds on more effectively working to alleviate hunger in our area. The Foodbank also operates the Healthy Futures Initiative, designed to alleviate hunger among low-income children and seniors, and the Foodmobile Program, which aims to increase access to emergency food for residents in rural and under-resourced communities.