Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon is encouraging residents to spend some time this holiday season helping curb hunger.

Simon and members of her staff volunteered Tuesday at the Central Illinois Food Bank in Springfield. She wants to highlight volunteering time, giving money or donating food to "help children, seniors and families access nutritious food while our economy continues to recover."

Simon's office says about 15% of Illinois residents are "food insecure." That means they don't have enough money to have a ready supply of nutritious food. For children, it's 22% of the population.

The Central Illinois Food Bank serves 105,000 people annually in 21 counties. Nearly 40% are children younger than 18.

Simon and her staff bagged apples for distribution throughout the region.