Casten Applauds USDA Approval of Illinois Food Bank Disaster Distribution Plan
Downers Grove, IL – Yesterday, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Illinois' Disaster Distribution Plan, allowing food banks the flexibility they need to serve their communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. After similar efforts were denied, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) joined members of the Illinois delegation urging the plan's approval.
Organizations serving the 6th District including the Northern Illinois Food Bank and Loaves & Fishes Community Services will benefit from the Disaster Distribution Plan.
Casten said, "I'm thrilled to see the USDA has finally approved Illinois' Disaster Distribution Plan. As countless Illinoisans are losing their paychecks amid the pandemic, our community's food banks are more critical than ever. This added flexibility will enable these heroic organizations to rise to the challenge. I'm proud to have worked with our state's food banks to get this plan approved, and I won't stop fighting to ensure every Illinois family has food on their table."
Sarah Guy, Manager of Compliance and Best Practices, Northern Illinois Food Bank said, We want to thank everyone - our agencies for working with us as we've navigate through this unpresidented time, IDHS for listening to our needs and concerns and advocating on our behalf to the USDA, and to all of our members of Congress who have helped make this possible. This new plan will mean hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents will get the food they need efficiently and safely during this crisis.
The full text of the Illinois delegation letter to the USDA can be found here.