The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on local families and individuals, resulting in more Eau Claire residents being food insecure. The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library seeks to fill that need through their new Curb Hunger program, which is in partnership with Feed My People Food Bank.

Community Resources Specialist Libby Richter studies the current needs, orders items from Feed My People, and then picks up the items to bring back to the library to distribute to those in need. The provisions are divided into two categories: ready-to-eat meals that don’t rely on kitchen access, and shelf-stable items to help supplement meals – including cereal, pasta, soups, snacks, and canned goods. The program, which began in June, will continue for the foreseeable future. There are no restrictions or limits. The library has served 134 households thus far with 171 bags of groceries since the program began, and the need is rising.

Groceries can be picked up at the main entrance or through the contactless library pickup service. If you would like to help support this program, the library suggests you give a donation to Feed My People at fmpfoodbank.org. For more information about the program, visit www.ecpubliclibrary.info.