East Central Reporter

Milton Township in Illinois has stated that it does not possess any records regarding employees of the Milton Township Food Pantry. The township's response to information requests indicated only that “there are no records related to employees of the Milton Township Food Pantry in the possession of Milton Township.” The statement did not clarify whether or not the food pantry actually employs anyone.

Additionally, township officials said there are no contracts or agreements between Milton Township and its food pantry. This raises questions about how township-licensed vehicles are being used by the food pantry without any formal agreements. Observers suggest this may imply the food pantry operates as a part of township government.

The township has further asserted that its food pantry is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). That claim is currently being challenged. According to those disputing the assertion, there are ongoing efforts to determine whether the food pantry should be considered a public body for purposes of FOIA compliance.

“We noticed the township did not say there were no employees, only that they did not have any records naming who the employees were,” said a spokesperson for those seeking more information. “The township claimed there are no records of any contracts or agreements between the food pantry and the township, which leads us to wonder how the township can allow use of township-licensed vehicles without any contracts or agreements…unless the food pantry is part of the township government (we believe it is).”

“The township has also claimed its food pantry is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) – which we are in the process of disputing for the following reasons:”