About 180,000 more Illinois residents are expected to struggle with access to food this year compared to 2019, according to new research. Rural areas in southern parts of the state will likely suffer the most.
Since the USDA began buying meat, produce and dairy from U.S. farmers last fall, the food people receive from food pantries has been more fresh and more nutritious. But it’s also presented challenges for those who get the food from growers fields to the dinner tables that need it across the country.
