09/06/2026
Thank you, Avon (Illinois) Area!
It has now been one year since the Avon food distribution location of the Cupboard & Closet (located in Abingdon) has been hosted at the Avon Federated Church. As we mark this one year anniversary, we believe that we owe the community a report.
We typically distribute food on the 2nd & 4th THURSDAY of each month from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. It is a drive thru/walk thru system utilizing the "alley" (Chestnut Street) located behind the Avon Federated Church (206 S. Main Street --Avon, IL ). There is no need to sign up in advance --just show up. All we ask is that you are human and that you consume food. We don't pry into your financial situation or demand to see your financial records. We understand that even people who appear to be doing well --struggle sometimes. We are here to help.
We typically help approximately 60 households at each food distribution. (And, those 60 households have approximately 180 individuals in them).
We have had over 40 different volunteers help us during this first year!
We (at the Avon Federated Church) could not have done this project without help from our friends at the Avon Methodist Church (and without help from people affiliated with other area churches or people with no church affiliation). And, of course, we could not have done this without the sponsorship and help of the Cupboard & Closet in Abingdon! We are a satellite location of their program.
Local businesses and organizations have helped us financially and with food donations. They have helped provide us with empty boxes. (We go through 150-200 empty boxes per month as we distribute food). Local businesses have sometimes helped us when we have needed additional refrigerator or freezer space (when one of our refrigerators or freezers has broken down).
Many people in the community have donated food and money to this food distribution project. Some grieving families --when a loved one has died -- have had the memorial donations go to the food pantry.
Every source of help and support is greatly appreciated! We are extremely thankful for your help and support. It takes an entire community to help provide food to 60 households twice per month. We could not do this work without your help. THANK YOU!
We are also thankful for the people who operated and supported this program in prior years --when it was located at the Avon Methodist Church.
In the past year, our program (and the Federated Church) have become an approved Category II Food Service Facility via the Fulton County Health Department. Five of our volunteers are Certified Food Service Managers. We get inspected by the health department.
If you have any questions or if you wish to help in any way -- you may contact Rev. Jon Prain at (309) 255-6702 (text / cell) or [email protected]
If you wish to make a financial contribution, financial donations may be sent to:
The Federated Church
Box 432
Avon IL 61415
Be sure to clearly label your donation "FOOD PANTRY"
Again, thank you for your support during this first year (at the Federated Church). We look forward to your support in the months and years to come.
Happy anniversary!
