Two food drives in Bloomington-Normal this weekend aim to provide additional support to local pantries amid rising demand.
Federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is being disrupted after the Trump administration cut November benefits for millions of Americans.
Pack the Cruiser
The Bloomington Police Department [BPD] will hold its “Pack the Cruiser” drive on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at two Kroger locations: 1502 N. Main St. and 2507 E. Oakland Ave. in Bloomington.
Officers will collect shelf-stable food items in partnership with Midwest Food Bank and The Salvation Army.
Some of the more desirable food items include: canned fruits, vegetables, meats, and soups. Boxed and canned meals are also encouraged, as well as peanut butter without glass jars.
Bloomington Police spokesperson Bryce Janssen said the department held similar events in May 2024 and 2025, collecting just over 1,500 pounds of food last spring.
“There's no harm in trying to do it one more time and help refill those supplies,” Janssen said.
With SNAP benefits causing statewide uncertainty, he said the department is aiming to collect more this year by hosting drives at two locations.
“We’re bumping up and doing two locations this time, so there’s no reason we can’t blow that number out of the water,” Janssen said. “I’d love to see us get a ton worth of food — 3,000 pounds if we can do it.”
Janssen said the department organized the third collection after Bloomington-Normal food pantries reported shortages.
All donations will be shared between the Salvation Army in Bloomington and the Midwest Food Bank to support local families in need.
Cans for Cards
The Central Illinois Magic: The Gathering community is holding a separate collection called “Cans for Cards” at the Normal Public Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
There is no entry fee. Instead, participants are encouraged to bring canned goods and nonperishable items to support the community. The group has donated nearly $1,000 in prizes to encourage donations.
Midwest Food Bank will process donations from both events, allocating a portion specifically to local partners including The Salvation Army. The goal is to replenish local food pantry reserves ahead of the winter months, when demand traditionally increases.
