United Way of South Central Illinois Announces October Protein Markets to Support Local Families
Date/Time
Date(s) - 10/23/2025 - 10/30/2025
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Categories
VERNON, IL (October 2025) — United Way of South Central Illinois is proud to announce two upcomingProtein Marketsthis month to help ensure local families have access to nutritious food as we enter the winter season.
The first event will take place Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Centralia Cultural Society, located at 1250 East Rexford Street, Centralia, Illinois. Lineup will begin at 11:00 a.m., and distribution will start at 12:30 p.m. This event is first-come, first-served. United Way extends special thanks to the Centralia Cultural Society for their generosity in allowing the use of their parking lot for this important community effort.
The second Protein Market will be held Thursday, October 30, 2025, at United Way’s new office at 716 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Lineup will begin at 11:00 a.m., and distribution will start at 12:30 p.m. Vehicles should line up on Harrison Street, proceed down 7th Street, and follow signage through the alley for food distribution.
Both events are presented in partnership with SSM Health, the University of Illinois Extension, and the Central Illinois Food Bank—whose support and collaboration make these large-scale community food distributions possible.
“These markets are a lifeline for families feeling the squeeze of rising grocery prices,” said Natalie Shook, Executive Director of United Way of South Central Illinois. “We’re working to make sure that no one in our community faces an empty table this winter.”
Part of United Way’s Broader Health Initiative
The Protein Markets are part of United Way’s ongoing Health Initiative, which focuses on improving food security and nutrition access across Jefferson, Marion, and Washington counties.
Other programs under this initiative include:
- Tiny Pantries – small, community-based food stations that provide 24/7 access to nonperishable food items for anyone in need.
- Hunters for the Hungry – a partnership with U of I Extension that allows hunters to donate harvested venison, which is then ground into meat and distributed to local food pantries. United Way covers the processing cost, ensuring there’s no cost to hunters while supplying much-needed protein to families across the region.
- Mobile Markets – monthly pop-up markets that bring fresh produce, dairy, and pantry staples directly to communities across South Central Illinois.
“These partnerships are what community looks like,” Shook added. “Everyone — from hunters to volunteers — plays a role in fighting hunger.”
For more information about the upcoming Protein Markets or to learn how you can volunteer or support United Way’s programs, contact United Way of South Central Illinois at (618) 242-8000 or visit www.uwsci.org.