FIGHTING HUNGER, FUELING HOPE: THE HEART OF NORTHEAST COMMUNITY FUND

Decatur, IL - Angel Lawrence is one of the rare few who hopes to work herself OUT of a job one day. But that day will only come when hunger and poverty no longer exist...so Lawrence continues to do what she can through the work of Northeast Community Fund (NECF).

As Director of NECF, Lawrence runs several programs that assist families in Decatur and Macon County. NECF offers a clothing and household goods room, a Thanksgiving basket program, assists with utility payments, obtaining IDs, baby formula and wipes, emergency lodging, and prescription medicines. NECF also operates a microfinance program and a program for families to work with a staff member and mentor to achieve short- and long-term goals to move towards self-sufficiency. But one of the largest services they offer is their food pantry.

NECF Director Angel Lawrence prepares food boxes at Northeast Community Fund Food Pantry

“Northeast Community Fund is more than a pantry,” Lawrence said. “It’s a place of hope, dignity, and connection. Food is the first step, but what we’re really restoring is someone’s sense of worth.”

Each day begins with movement—mothers with toddlers, seniors on fixed incomes, and working families stretched too thin. Volunteers greet each guest with kindness, staff connect families to resources, and the phones rarely stop ringing. “Every day is hustle, heart, and hope,” Lawrence said.

The impact of the WSOY Community Food Drive is visible throughout the year. “The food collected each year carries us through our busiest months, ensuring we never have to turn anyone away,” Lawrence explained. “It is more than stocking shelves. It is fueling hope for thousands of families right here in our community.”

She remembers one family in particular. “Last winter, a single father came to us after losing his job. He had two young children, and his cupboards were empty. Because of the WSOY drive, we were able to send him home with enough food to get them through the month. He later told us that the gift gave him the breathing room he needed to find work and keep his family together.”

But this year has brought new challenges. “Absolutely. This year, we have seen record numbers, a 32% increase over last year. We are seeing an increase in first-time visitors, working families, and seniors on fixed incomes who are struggling to keep pace with rising costs. The need is not just greater. It is unrelenting.”

Food Pantry at Northeast Community Fund

The loss of a major USDA grant has made things even harder. “It has been a significant blow. That funding allowed us to purchase fresh, nutritious, locally sourced food in large quantities. Without it, we have had to stretch every donation further and depend more heavily on the generosity of our community. Some staple items we once offered regularly are now only available when donated.”

And behind every statistic is a face. “Families tell us their grocery dollars do not go as far. SNAP cuts mean benefits run out halfway through the month. We see parents quietly skipping meals so their kids can eat, and seniors making impossible choices between groceries and medication. No one should have to live like that.”

Lawrence also pushes back against the stereotypes that often surround pantry guests. “That they are taking advantage of or that they do not work. The truth is, many of our guests have jobs. They do not earn enough to cover housing, utilities, and food. Others are seniors who worked their whole lives but now live on limited incomes. Food insecurity is not a character flaw. It is a reality that has too many faces.”

She carries the stories with her. “A grandmother is raising three grandchildren after losing her daughter. She came in embarrassed, saying she did not want to take it from someone who needed it more. I reminded her that she is that someone. She left with food, clothes for the kids, and a smile that said she felt seen and supported.”

Looking ahead, Lawrence sees both urgency and hope. “I envision NECF in a larger, more accessible facility serving as the hub for food distribution in Macon County and Central Illinois, with robust food expansion programs that address the root causes of food insecurity. I want NECF to be a place where people come to receive support to thrive not only with food, but with tools, education, and opportunities to build a stronger future.”

Food Pantry Volunteer loads food into pantry boxes at Northeast Community Fund

And as this year’s WSOY Community Food Drive approaches, her message is clear. “Your generosity changes lives. Every can, every box, every dollar helps feed a neighbor. Together, we can ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and no parent has to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table. When we care for each other, we all thrive.”