Local food pantries receive hand picked sweet corn at Murphy giveaway SMALLERDES PLAINES – Local food pantries will be able to offer fresh, Illinois-grown sweet corn to families in need, thanks to a donation from State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) and the Mercer County Farm Bureau.

Murphy hosted a giveaway Monday, where a truck bed full of sweet corn was distributed to local food pantries and other community organizations serving families in the 28th District.

“Especially during tough economic times, it can be challenging for families to afford the fresh, nutritious produce Illinois farmers offer,” said Murphy. “I’m grateful to the Mercer County Farm Bureau for making sure every member of our community can enjoy delicious, locally grown sweet corn.”

The annual event is hosted in partnership with Mercer County Farm Bureau. Murphy was “adopted” by Mercer County, a western Illinois county bordering the Mississippi River, in 2016 as part of the Illinois Farm Bureau’s Adopt-a-Legislator program, which allows downstate and rural county farm bureaus to “adopt” Chicago and suburban lawmakers to educate urban legislators about agriculture and rural life.

“The goal of Illinois Farm Bureau’s Adopt-a-Legislator program is to foster a better understanding of rural and urban communities within Illinois for both county farm bureau associations and urban legislators,” said Mercer County Farm Bureau President Michael Zecher. “As we learned through visiting her district, one issue we have in common involves providing support for individuals and families in need.”

The following organizations received donations:

  • Catholic Charities
  • Center of Concern
  • Schaumburg Township Food Pantry
  • Des Plaines Food Pantry
  • Maine Township Food Pantry
  • Schaumburg Barn
  • Elk Grove Township Food Pantry

Families in need of food assistance can visit www.FeedingAmerica.org to locate a food bank near them.