The Central Illinois Foodbank will officially launch its food rescue program after a kick-off event on Wednesday, Sept. 25. The Foodbank recently received a grant from the Walmart Foundation to develop a food rescue program locally. Donated food will be picked up by volunteers and delivered to local agencies that will use it to feed residents in need.

“We’re excited to launch this food rescue program in Springfield and our hope is to expand it to neighboring communities,” said Ashley Earnest, public relations manager for Central Illinois Foodbank. She explained that the program is targeted toward donors such as restaurants, bakeries, caterers and convenience stores.

“We’re looking for smaller-scale donations that can be transported from the donor to local feeding programs by a volunteer,” Earnest said, and a new phone app aims to make connecting those with food to donate with volunteers to pick up and transport it even easier.

More information will be provided at tonight’s kick-off event held from 5-7 p.m. at Café Moxo, 411 E. Adams St. Prospective donors, agencies and volunteers are invited to attend to learn more about the program. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Businesses that have already signed up as donors include Café Moxo, Maldaner’s Restaurant and Catering, McAlister’s Deli (Dirksen), County Market, Three Twigs Bakery, Thorntons, Nelson’s Catering, Engrained Brewery, Country Market and Lincoln Land Community College’s culinary program.

For more information, contact Bob Bartolazzi at 217-522-4022.