No one in our community should go without food , not if we can help it.

Hi, I’m Josh Vala; a Springfield resident, local business owner, and proud board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois.

Due to the current political gridlock in Washington D.C., there is a very real risk that SNAP benefits which help feed over 19,000 households in Sangamon County may not be distributed on November 1st. This could leave thousands of families, children, and seniors facing serious food insecurity in the days ahead.

To put it in perspective:

60% of SNAP households include children in Sangamon County.

Another 33% support seniors or people with disabilities.

I know times are tough for everyone right now, but this is when community matters most. Together, we can make sure as many families as possible have access to fresh, healthy food while this crisis unfolds.

To jumpstart the effort, I’m launching a matching campaign of up to $10,000 — for every $1 donated, I’ll personally match it.

We’re already working with local food banks and vendors to secure fresh produce, dairy, meats, and baby formula, and will distribute supplies directly through trusted community partners like the Boys and Girls Club. Plans are evolving quickly, and I’ll continue to post updates here as we move forward.

Every dollar helps feed someone in need and every share helps us reach another caring neighbor.

Let’s stand together for our community.

With gratitude,

Josh Vala