QUINCY, ILL. -- The following news release came from the Adams County Chapter of the American Red Cross:

When someone thinks of the American Red Cross, they usually don't think of food drives. 

The Adams County Chapter of the American Red Cross is doing its part to help replenish local food pantries.

The local food pantries in Adams County are being hit harder than ever due to the current economic situation.

According to Feeding America, hunger is a symptom of poverty, and 26.9% of the children in Adams County are living below poverty level.

That means that almost 27% of the children in Adams County are food insecure.

Imagine being a child and not knowing where your next meal may come from.

The American Red Cross is helping and so can you.

The American Red Cross along with your local Hy-Vee and County Market stories will be holding a Summer Food Drive from July 27-August 23, 2009.

The Hy-Vee locations in Quincy that are participating are the 1400 Harrison St. store and the 3700 Broadway store.

The County Market locations in Quincy that are participating are the 520 N. 24th St. store and the 4830 Broadway store.

There will be collection bins located at the exit of all stores.

All non-perishable food will be accepted.

The Red Cross then will distribute the donated collections to local food pantries throughout Adams County.

With our damaged economy, reaching out to our neighbors has become more important than ever, and with your help we can accomplish great things and build a better community by fighting hunger.

For more information or if you have any questions about the Summer Food Drive, please call (217) 222-2477. 

With your help, we can make this a successful event.