The Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry is open: Mondays 9:00 am to 7:00 pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; and Fridays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Food is distributed, and donations are gratefully accepted during business hours. We also have collection boxes in the vestibule at Fareway, NOSH and at Inspire Continuing Care for donations. The Food Pantry will be closed December 25 & 26 and January 1 & 2, 2026.
Because of the community’s generous support, the Food Pantry provided food and emergency assistance to 505 households in October. Thanks to the many donors who make all this possible!
The Food Pantry partners with Wright Foot Left and Sole Relief to provide two Foot Care Clinics each month. Nurses soak feet, trim and file toenails, help with ingrown toenails, and give a light foot massage with lotion. Please call 309-944-3165 or email geneseopantry1@gmail.com to make an appointment. Cost is $37. Food Pantry Guests are provided with a voucher.
Thank you to all who offered to provide Christmas gifts for families in need! We had 75 applicants for the Holiday Gifts Program, and just enough donors for them. Gifts should be delivered by December 15.
Thank you to all who participated in the Cram the Cab food drive on November 8. Henry County Farm Bureau collected 1,105 lbs of food, which represents 921 meals! We are very grateful. Also, thank you to the many organizations, groups, schools and churches that collected food for the Food Pantry! We could not provide for so many people in need without our generous community!
Thank you to those who contributed to the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry food drive at Fareway on October 12. We are grateful for the generosity of our community! We will have another food drive at Fareway in Geneseo on December 6, 9:00-12:00 and January 3, 9:00-12:00.
Many attended the November 11 Hammond Henry Hospital Dietitian Class, where participants learned how to create diabetic friendly dishes for the holidays! The next dietitian will be held Tuesday, January 13, and it is free and open to the public.
The Christmas toy room will be open December 12-22. Toy shoppers must live in the Geneseo School District, meet income guidelines for food, and have a child age 17 and under who lives with them at least four days a week. Please register at the front desk if you have not used the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry before.
Our Volunteer of the Month, Virgil Thurman, has been volunteering at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry for eight months. Virgil drives “Clifford” the big, red van to Jewel and Aldi in Silvis to pick up food donations each week. He then moves food from the stores to the van and from the van to the Food Pantry. Virgil has a wife, Cathy, and three adult children: Matthew, Andy and Claire. Virgil enjoys reading, physical activities (gym and tennis), and drawing. He said he enjoys the people he’s met and the satisfaction of contributing to the Food Pantry’s mission. Virgil’s most memorable experience is driving Clifford and (trying to perfect his parking skills) as well as meeting all the people involved, including the people at Jewel. Thank you for your help providing food for those in need, Virgil!
Monetary donations may be made at geneseofoodpantry.org or mailed to: P.O. Box 324
Geneseo, IL 61254
The clothing room is especially in need of: Hats, gloves, winter boots, coats all sizes, underwear (all sizes) bath towels and washcloths.
Food Needs: Spaghetti sauce, sweet potatoes, stuffing, baking ingredients including flour, sugar, vanilla, chocolate chips , juices, and water.
Non-Food Needs: Toilet paper, paper towels, men’s body wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, cleaning supplies, baby wipes, diapers, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant.