United Way of Whiteside County’s Let’s Feed Our Children program is calling on businesses, churches, and community organizations, to participate in a Pasta Drive. Donated meals will help address childhood food insecurity this summer. Individuals are also strongly encouraged to contribute. United Way is seeking donations of single-serving pasta products, such as Easy Mac, Chef Boyardee, ramen noodles, and chicken noodle soup.
“Let’s Feed Our Children” has seen a dramatic 178% increase in demand over the past three years. Volunteers served over 42,000 free meals, to children throughout Whiteside County, during the summer of 2024.
“We are reaching out early this year, because we anticipate another significant increase in demand for summer lunches, from children who are food-insecure,” said Keri Olson, CEO of United Way of Whiteside County. “With the communities’ support, we can meet our projection of nearly 15,000 servings of pasta needed for this summer’s program.”
Starting Wednesday, May 28, through Wednesday, August 6, 2025,, the “Let’s Feed Our Children” program will distribute grab-and-go meals every Wednesday, from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m., at 20 sites across Whiteside County. Included are Albany, Erie, Fulton, Lyndon, Prophetstown, Morrison, Rock Falls, Sterling, and Tampico.
Each Wednesday, any child 18 years-or-younger is eligible to receive four free sack lunches, with no questions asked.
Donated pasta items can be delivered to New Life Church, 702 W. Lynn Boulevard, Sterling, IL. Office hours start May 12: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. New Life Church is providing space for United Way to pack meals throughout the summer.
Organizations and individuals interested in participating or who require donation pickup should contact Mardi Ybarra at United Way of Whiteside County. Calling 815-625-7973 or email mybarra@uwwhiteside.org.