CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) – The fight against food insecurity continues in our community, and a new donation drive aims to make a real difference. Shine the Block events, organized by H3 (Harm, Healing, Hope), are offering a practical way for individuals to help support families in need by donating “Meal in a Bag” kits. With food prices on the rise, more families in the area are struggling to afford basic meals. These simple, affordable meal kits aim to provide immediate relief for households at Country Brook Apartments.

“Meal in a Bag kits are a practical, accessible solution for families facing food insecurity. They’re designed to be easy to assemble, budget-friendly, and require minimal cooking skills or equipment,” said Osajuli Cravens, organizer of the event. “These meal kits help alleviate the stress of rising food prices, ensuring that families can enjoy a nutritious meal together.”

What is a Meal in a Bag?

A Meal in a Bag is a carefully assembled kit that contains everything needed to prepare a full, hearty meal. Each kit is packed with shelf-stable ingredients like pasta, rice, beans, canned vegetables, sauces, and seasonings. Donors are also encouraged to include printed recipe cards, making it even easier for families to recreate these meals at home.

Suggested Meal in a Bag Contents Include:

  • Shelf-stable items such as pasta, rice, beans, or packaged proteins.
  • Sauces (e.g., canned tomatoes, chunky salsa, jarred marmalade).
  • Canned vegetables (e.g., canned corn, diced potatoes).
  • Seasonings and broth (e.g., chicken or beef broth).
  • Other items like evaporated milk, shelf-stable cheese, or boxed pasta.
  • A printed recipe card and ingredient list with prices and store names, to help families recreate the meals.

To further assist with donation ideas, several online resources and printable recipes are available to guide donors in preparing the Meal in a Bag kits.

Shine the Block Event Details:

The Shine the Block events, which occur on the second Friday of each month, are dedicated to supporting families in the community with a warm meal, resources for home use, and an educational component aimed at addressing violence, poverty, and injustice.

  • Who We Serve: Residents of Country Brook Apartments in Champaign.
  • When: Events are held monthly on the second Friday.
  • What’s Provided: A warm meal, resource materials, and Meal in a Bag kits.

How to Participate and Drop Off Your Kits

If you’d like to contribute, drop-off locations are available at A Cut Above the Rest Barber Academy, located at 109 N. Mattis Ave, Suite J, Champaign, IL 61821. Donation hours are:

  • Tuesday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Alternatively, Meal in a Bag kits can be brought to the Y on the Fly event on the day of the event.