© 2024 WVIK
Listen at 90.3 FM and 98.3 FM in the Quad Cities, 95.9 FM in Dubuque, or on the WVIK app!
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Economy

Demand for Food Highest Ever for River Bend Foodbank

Mike Miller, CEO of River Bend Foodbank
Lacy Scarmana
/
WVIK News
Mike Miller, Pres. & CEO of River Bend Foodbank (file)

The River Bend Foodbank continues to provide record numbers of meals to people in northwestern Illinois and eastern Iowa. Michelle O'Neill reports.

President and CEO, Mike Miller, says the pandemic arrived more than ten years after the Great Recession. And it hit just as the food bank was ready to announce that "food insecurity" had dropped below the pre-recession levels of 2008. 

Demand has increased from about 106,000 people not having enough food, to 160,000. Miller says operations are more difficult with COVID-19 measures in place, such as social distancing and no contact food delivery. The River Bend Foodbank is just now starting to invite volunteers back to help.

Supply chains have also been seriously interrupted. Miller says this is a marathon, and people can help by donating and learning more online HERE. People who need help can also find out where to go for food and meals in their own communities.

Officially, Michelle's title for 28 years was WVIK News Editor. She did everything there is to do in the newsroom and whatever was needed around the radio station. She also served as Acting News Director from September 2023 - January 2024.
Related Content