BLUFORD (WSIL) — More than 200 people were up early and in line for Project Mom and Dad’s first food distribution in Bluford, a village of only about 800 people.
Village President Mike Bullard says Project Mom and Dad is a program that checks on its senior citizens and began due to COVID-19.
“Back in April, we look at this pandemic and realized that there was a lot of elderly people in our area who could be frightened by this,” he recalls.
Since then, volunteers have been providing wellness checks both by phone and in person and notify them of programs and resources available for help like Midland Area Agency On Aging.
Bullard says the USDA gave Cusumano and Sons four tons of food to distribute, so Project Mom and Dad volunteers jumped in to help pack it into the car’s of elderly or anyone who needed it.
Altogether, each car was given a box of fresh produce and dairy.
Bullard says there’s a huge need throughout southern Illinois due to people being laid off or losing their jobs.
“They have to have food so by providing this distribution, it’s a supplement to their income,” he explains. “What they would have spent on this food, they can on clothing or other items necessary to raise their family.”
However, it seems Bullard and the many others who volunteered got just as much out of the food distribution as those who received a box.
“It’s just a wonderful thing to hand somebody a box of food and see a smile on their face,” Bullard says. “And see them thank you for it, it’s just heartwarming.”
Project Mom and Dad volunteers say if possible they will continue the food distribution program until the end of the year.
The next distribution is on June 27 starting at 10 a.m. at the same location on New Life Missionary Baptist Church.
For more information, contact the Bluford Village Hall at (618) 732-8773.
