VIENNA – Arrowleaf’s Client Choice Food Pantry has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Ameren Illinois that will be used to buy supplemental food for the pantry.

Ameren will present the check to Arrowleaf Tuesday morning at 9 at its Vienna Food Pantry, located at 101 Oliver Street.

Arrowleaf’s CEO, Sherrie Crabb, says this grant will help Arrowleaf positively impact the lives of those it serves.

Marsha Hayes, Arrowleaf’s Community Engagement Assistant Director, will stock the shelves with supplemental food purchased using the grant dollars.

Arrowleaf’s Client Choice Food Pantry program is open to anyone in the southern seven counties of Illinois, prioritizing those living in Alexander, Johnson, and Pulaski Counties. There are no income or family size requirements to participate in the program, although all participants are currently low-income. Primary clientele encompasses senior citizens, those with disabilities, and women with children.

Arrowleaf operates two sites, one in Cairo and the other in Vienna. Each is open Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Clients may shop at the pantry once a month but can request emergency assistance if food products are available between monthly visits.

The program is a member of Tri-State Food Bank, but the demand for food exceeds what Arrowleaf can access from this source. Therefore, the program relies on food and monetary donations to supplement its supply. To maintain a steady supply of staple items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, meat/chicken, condiments, bread, and dairy products, the program requires a minimum of $800 per week.

The USDA has classified Alexander and Pulaski counties as food deserts, where food insecurity is a long-standing issue. Johnson County and the remaining four counties served by the program are considered food insecure as defined by Feeding America. Ameren Illinois’ grant will be crucial in aiding low-income families and individuals in the region by financially supporting 12.5 weeks of food supplements. Addressing food insecurity is vital for enabling those affected to reach their full potential.