The Taylorville Food Bank offers their free services to all of Christian County, but in the last year, usage of the food bank has nearly doubled, while donations coming in have remained the same. In September of 2022 the food bank provided 331 homes with necessary food products, that number has reached 560 households based on this month's data. That is 1479 total nourished people. As SNAP benefits are cut and inflation rises the number of people needing this assistance will continue to rise.

Keeping the Taylorville Food Bank alive and functioning is Amy Hagen, a Co-Coordinator for the food bank, along with the many volunteers that work day in and day out to ensure food security. Volunteers are always needed and Hagen says, if there is a car out front, they are inside working and could use some help.

If a local citizen wants to volunteer, there is work to be done at the Taylorville Food Pantry. Hagen emphasizes that the food bank never turns away help. No matter age, physical ability, or knowledge, helping out the community comes easy with the Taylorville Food Bank.

New to the Taylorville Food Bank is fresh, locally grown produce from the Taylorville Community Garden and the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Garden. Supplying the community with more than canned products and non-perishable foods is important to the health of the citizens. Hagen is happy to be able to offer this at the food Bank, but with fresh produce comes more diligent work from the volunteers.

Amy Hagen and the staff at the Taylorville Food Bank need the communities help, in donations and with their time in volunteering. Hagen notes that it does not matter the amount of time one chooses to spend, every little bit helps.

The Taylorville Food Bank is located at 1429 East Main Cross Street in Taylorville.

Amy Hagen appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.