The need to feed the poor is rising in the immediate Peoria area. And, the Heart of Illinois United Way is adding to it's funding distribution to help. President Michael Stephan announced Monday the United Way has cut a check for $25,000 in additional dollars for 5 local agencies to be provided more food staples for the poor.
The money will be given to Salvation Army, Neighborhood House, Friendship House, Common Place and We Care. The Salavation Army host the announcement at it's downtown warehouse, a prime food distribution location. Salvation Army Major David Gorton says the extra funding is a blessing.
The latest figures show 13 percent of Central Illinois households live below the poverty line. That's up 2 percent since 2008, which means 7,700 additional people are in need of assistance. Overall 50,000 people in the six counties United Way serves are consdiered in poverty.
