Blog

When putting food on the table isn’t simple

Published Date:

November 25, 2025

Struggling to afford groceries or find healthy food options can happen to anyone, and it’s more common than many think. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), food insecurity is a household-level condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food. In Central Illinois, more than one in eight people experience it.

Breaking down barriers

Food insecurity doesn’t always mean hunger. It can look like:

Skipping meals to stretch a paycheck
Choosing cheaper, less nutritious food
Lacking access to food that meets a health condition or dietary need

“Food insecurity means having a barrier to getting the food you need to meet your specific health or life situation,” says Erin Jones, director of SIU’s Office of Community Health Work.

The SIU Community Health Workers (CHWs) help people address barriers to housing, employment services, and health coverage. CHWs connect individuals to resources that support overall well-being, including access to healthy food.

When someone faces food insecurity, CHWs can:

Identify food pantries that meet specific dietary or health needs
Coordinate with transportation or pick up food for clients
Assist seniors and those with chronic illnesses in accessing resources

How to get help

Anyone in need of support can connect with the SIU Office of Community Health Workers.
Call: 217-545-7027
Services: Walk-ins and provider referrals welcome

If you or someone you know is struggling to access food or other essential resources, the CHW team can help find the right support, because no one should have to face food insecurity alone.

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