FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill., (WSIL) — The Franklin County Emergency Management agency teamed up with the University of Illinois Extension Office to put out a call for help. The community answered in a big way. The two organizations were working together on a canned food drive called “Prepare and Prevent the Second Disaster” to help build supplies for the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry.The groups set up outside Benton’s Save-a-Lot with a table and handouts for anyone interested. During their time outside the grocery store on Saturday, February 8, 2025, the groups were able to collect an estimated 882 canned items for the pantry. Organizers say they’re excited by the donations and humbled by the generosity of the community.February is National Canned Food Month, meant to bring awareness to hunger everywhere.
