Heart of Illinois Harvest (HOIH) is a not-for-profit food rescue program that daily transports surplus food to local agencies for free distribution to those in need. Grants, donations, and in-kind service providers allow us to maintain our two vehicles (1997 truck and 2005 leased van) and one paid part-time Program Coordinator. Currently 65 HOIH volunteers collect over 5 tons per week of surplus food from restaurants, grocery stores, hospitals, bakeries, schools, wholesalers, gardeners (fresh produce), and other food donors in the Peoria area.

During 2007 the rescued food from over 85 food donors was picked up and delivered the same day to over 60 shelters, food pantries, missions and other agencies that distribute the free food to those in need.

The initial HOIH food pickup took place in December 1992 with the HOIH volunteers using their own vehicles to pick up about a ton of food each week and distributing the donated food to five shelters and food pantries. HOIH became the 52nd national Harvest chapter and the first chapter in Illinois.

During its fifteen-year history, HOIH has won first place in the Governor’s Hometown Awards in 1994 and 1996, recognizing us as a volunteer group that contributes to Illinois’ economic progress and quality of life.

WE NEED YOUR HELP by donating surplus food to better meet the needs of the local hungry and to assist our local agencies who distribute this free food. This also prevents good food from going to our landfills.

WE NEED YOUR HELP financially for operating expenses to allow HOIH to continue our mission of reducing hunger in the Peoria community.

hoiharvest@sbcglobal.net
P.O. Box 9702
Peoria, Illinois 61612

(309) 693-0876