Gas prices affect meal program

MARSHALL, Ill. (WTHI) - Mary Kuhn, a volunteer for the Peace Meal program, delivers lunch to Bertha at her home.

It's a partially state funded program, that provides the elderly, age 60 and older, a hot meal for a small donation, Monday through Thursday.

However, the price of gas these days, doesn't help their cause.

"Our volunteers have gone down because they simply can't afford it, you know, they're willing to go ahead and deliver but they can't afford it," Kuhn said.

Here's a look at the average price of gas for the past three years:

In 2009 it was $1.87 per gallon. In 2010, $2.62, and in 2011, $3.09 per gallon.

With gas prices expected to continue increasing, possibly even hitting $5, the program says they're in need of even more volunteers.

"I don't know, I just dread the thought," Kuhn said.

Folks at this facility will tell you how important this meal is.

"I enjoy all the people, and I enjoy coming, and the meals usually are great," LaVena Murphy said.

The Peace Meal program is sponsored by Eastern Illinois University.

It serves meals in 14 different counties within Illinois and has 70 different meal sites.

To volunteer, you can call 1-800-543-1770.

For more information, click on this link .