First Farmers Bank & Trust Donates to Horizon Health Meals on Wheels Program

A generous contribution to the Horizon Health Foundation of East Central Illinois will provide much-needed food and nutrition assistance to area residents.

First Farmers Bank & Trust recently donated $3,500 to Horizon Health’s Meals on Wheels program. Meals on Wheels provides freshly prepared meals to homebound individuals who face transportation, mobility, or health-related issues.

“This gift will help ensure that our friends and neighbors have access to quality food and nutrition when other resources may not be readily available,” said Randi Bohannon, foundation executive director. “We are extremely grateful to First Farmers Bank & Trust for supporting our organization and the community as a whole.”

The demand for meals has tripled over the past year, Bohannon said. In January 2021 alone, Meals on Wheels volunteers delivered 2,331 meals. Before the pandemic, they delivered about 780 meals a month.

“When the pandemic began, many people found themselves more vulnerable and in need of urgent support,” Bohannon said. “Even with COVID, there was never a thought of putting Meals on Wheels on hold. The Horizon Health nutritional services staff, which prepares the meals, and the community volunteers who deliver them, have really stepped up to ensure residents are cared for.”

About Meals on Wheels

The program provides nutritious meals at an affordable price. Each meal cost $3 and consists of an entrée, vegetable, potato/starch, salad, dessert, bread, margarine, and juice or milk. Meals are delivered seven days a week, excluding holidays. Meals also can be picked up at Horizon Health by friends or family members.

Financial assistance is available to those who cannot afford meals. For more information about the Meals on Wheels program, call one of the phone numbers below:

Sign up to receive or deliver meals: 217-466-4326

Request assistance to pay for meals: 217-466-4298

Make a donation to Meals on Wheels: 217-465-1234