Dixon Rotary Club donates to local food security programs

DIXON — The Dixon Rotary Club is doing its part to fight food insecurity in the Sauk Valley area.

The Dixon Rotary is a local chapter of Rotary International, a non-profit engaging in community service, youth programs and international projects while fostering networking among professionals. Last year, Dixon Rotary raised over $2,000 to help support two local food security programs: Buddy Bags of Dixon and the Dixon Community Food Pantry.

Buddy Bags

Buddy Bags is a 501(c)(3) providing weekend meals for Dixon School District students whose families may need assistance. The program is locally run and gives participating students two breakfasts, two lunches, two snacks and two drinks at the end of each week.

The food is purchased locally or donated by individuals, groups and organizations. Volunteers pack the meals and provide them to the schools for distribution.

Dixon Rotary President Mary Oros said the program aligns with her organization’s commitment to supporting food security initiatives.

“We were moved by what these women have done to help children in our community,” Oros said. “They started with 50 or 60 kids, and it has grown to serve well over 200 children every week.”

Despite those numbers, Oros said the 2023 Dixon High School District Report Card suggests that upwards of 50% of enrolled students are financially eligible for the program.

For more information or to donate, call 815-677-3699 or visit buddybagsofdixon.org.

Dixon Community Food Pantry

Oros said Dixon Food Pantry used its donation to help pay for a new freezer. The pantry provides food to those in need from communities across Lee County.

Pantry Director Josie Whaley said that in 2024, the pantry provided food to 3,928 families and 12,457 individuals.

“We also received 72,150 pounds in donated food, from individuals, groups and businesses,” Oros said. “That’s not even including our postal food drive.”

Dixon Community Food Pantry is located at 2001 W. Fourth St. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1-3 p.m. except for major holidays or if Dixon schools are closed for inclement weather.

For more information, call 815-288-4848.