Strategic Plan THRIVE

An Invitation from Our CEO — Empowering Tomorrow: Innovate. Partner. Thrive.

At Northern Illinois Food Bank, we believe in people. We believe that every person has value, with unique purpose and gifts. We know that “unexpected life” happens, such as job loss, a health crisis, or other circumstances beyond our control, which lead to seasons in which we don’t have enough and we need help.

And that is why we are here, to help. We are obsessed with creating an exceptional charitable food system, in which every person in every community has access to fresh, nutritious groceries and meals, distributed with dignity, equity and convenience. This happens when our work is rooted in collaboration, through partnerships and programs in which all voices are heard and respected. When we come together, we lead the way to better tomorrows.

Strategic Plan THRIVE is a continuation of our commitment to serve our neighbors and communities, and our relentless pursuit of our vision of “for everyone in Northern Illinois to have the food they need to thrive”. It compels us to work better, together with our member agencies, stakeholders, communities and neighbors.

Because we need YOU. Your voice, your talents, and your investment to make our 2030 vision become a reality: more than 450M meals distributed; 30M visits to our agency partners and programs; and more than $200M invested in our neighbors and communities.

Northern Illinois Food Bank: We all belong.
We are better together. We are Neighbors. Empowered.

Sincerely,
Julie Yurko, President & CEO

Working Together with our Neighbors

Like Strategic Plan UNITE, this plan is led by our commitment to our neighbors; not just what we do for our neighbors, but the way we work with our neighbors to design solutions, improve processes and measure our success.

To provide nutritious food and resources for our neighbors, with dignity, equity and convenience, through partnerships and innovation.

For everyone in Northern Illinois to have the food they need to thrive.

Community
Humility
Transparency
Empowerment
Accountability
Impact
Innovation

Road map to the future

Graphic titled 'A Sustainable Model Into the Future' featuring Northern Illinois Food Bank’s vision: 'For everyone in Northern Illinois to have the food they need to thrive.' Highlights include over 560,000 monthly visits to the pantry network, rising demand for nutritious foods like proteins, dairy, and produce, and a commitment to equitable access across more than 90% of the region.

Charting a New Path Forward

We began planning during a time of high demand, growing need, and increasing food costs, but also with an unwavering commitment to finding a path forward that honors our mission and the communities we serve.

The past five years have brought significant change to the Food Bank, our partners and neighbors. We are experiencing the highest increase in need for food assistance since 2008, resulting in unprecedented visits to our network.

In response we are providing more meals than ever before. And, most importantly, we have changed the ways we serve to honor our neighbors and address barriers such as understanding, access and stigma, together with our members agencies and partners.

But still, we can’t keep up. We are terrified and saddened by the need for help. This is why Strategic Plan THRIVE is so important. It’s a road map so that, together, we can continue to grow and change for the better for our neighbors, communities and us all.