FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill. (KFVS) - The Franklin County Emergency Management Agency and University of Illinois Extension are partnering with local grocery stores and food pantries to host the Prepare and Prevent the Second Disaster Food Drive.

According to organizers, February is National Canned Food Month, making it the perfect time to restock your emergency kit and donate to area food pantries.

“Through preparedness and prevention, our goal is to promote awareness by stocking your emergency supply kit at home with canned food and non-perishable foods[...],” said Daniel J. Hyson, Chief of Planning and Preparedness with Franklin Co. EMA. “Additionally, through these events, we encourage individuals to donate canned food that will help restock local pantries in need of these items, which help to reduce disparities among individuals experiencing food insecurities in the communities throughout the county.”

According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap , there are more than 6,200 individuals in Franklin County who struggle with having enough food to eat.

Organizers say the preferred shopping items for your emergency preparedness kit and local food pantries include: peanut butter, canned soup, canned tuna, canned vegetables and canned fruit. A few additional items needed by local food pantries include: pasta sauce, spaghetti and mac and cheese.

• Save A Lot, 309 E. Main St. in Benton. Food collected at this event will be provided to the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry.

• McCord’s Market, 501 S. Logan St. in West Frankfort. Food collected at this event will be provided to Crosswalk Community Action Agency’s Food Program – Safe Food, Safe Seniors.

Franklin Co. EMA and Illinois Extension staff will be on-site during each event, providing education and resources.