CU Better Together initiative helps Champaign and Urbana School Districts boost their capacity to feed families!
CU Better Together is an all-inclusive effort of both faith-based, and non-faith-based organizations to support the families of school-aged children and reduce food insecurity. It will work to support the existing food distribution systems managed by Champaign Unit 4 and Urbana Unit 116.
The Champaign County COVID-19 Relief Fund is pleased to announce CU Better Together has exceeded the $250,000 fundraising goal! The program is now fully funded for the remainder of the summer. Thank you!!
How It Works
The initiative works within the existing structure the school districts have set up. This has boosted Districts’ capacity to serve the entire family. Families should visit the Champaign Unit 4 or Urbana District 116 websites to find the nearest food distribution site.
CU Better Together is a collaborative effort between United Way, The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, The C-U Schools Foundation, The Stephens Family YMCA, and over 25 other organizations and faith communities.
Jeff Scott, CEO of the Stephens Family YMCA, said, “We wanted to connect what the schools were already doing to feed their students and the work that Stone Creek Church and The Vineyard Church were starting in order to feed families. But we wanted to include the whole community in the solution. It is our hope that our entire community will get behind this effort to help insure the food security for many families suffering from the indirect effects of COVID-19. This will require a huge community investment, but I believe our community is worth it!”
Stone Creek Church and The Vineyard Church have established safe volunteer opportunities as part of this initiative.
Volunteers Needed to pack food for Urbana School District #116
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0e4ea4aa2cabfd0-food
Volunteers Needed to pack food for Champaign Unit 4 Schools
Groups sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0e4ea4aa2cabfd0-sample1
Individuals sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0e4ea4aa2cabfd0-sample
Logo designed by Kristy Lau
