Champaign, IL – With Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits temporarily unavailable, local officials are urging Champaign-Urbana residents to help by donating food safely and effectively. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) shared donation guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to ensure contributions reach families in need without safety risks.
According to IDPH, residents should focus on donating shelf-stable foods such as canned fruits, vegetables, soups, peanut butter, cereals, and pasta. Items like homemade goods, glass containers, perishable foods, and expired infant formula should be avoided. Donors are also advised to inspect cans for dents, bulges, or rust before giving.
The department clarified that “sell by” and “use by” dates generally refer to quality rather than safety—meaning items slightly past their printed dates can often still be safely donated if they appear in good condition.
CUPHD recommends checking with local food pantries and soup kitchens to confirm what items are most needed and to review any donation requirements. A full list of food assistance resources, including pantries and free meal programs for Illinois students, can be found at bit.ly/food-resources-CU or via the district’s interactive pantry map at bit.ly/FoodPantriesCC.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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