This week, our Advocacy Team participated in the annual Illinois State Lobby Day to End Hunger! We met (virtually) with local legislators across our service area to talk about how we can solve hunger together in Northern Illinois. Our elected officials can have a major impact on hunger in our communities – everything from […]
The decision to reach out for assistance with groceries or other expenses can be a difficult one. There are common misconceptions about how the charitable food network works, and a stigma surrounding pantries and soup kitchens, so many of our neighbors do not seek the assistance they need – and that’s something our Food Bank […]
It’s National Volunteer Week, and we’re celebrating ALL of our amazing volunteers who help us solve hunger in Northern Illinois! In the past year alone, our volunteers have donated over 134,000 hours – that comes in the form of packing and sorting food, loading groceries into cars, directing traffic, volunteering at special events, and MUCH […]
All of us are facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic – and many of our neighbors are in need of food, some for the first time. We met our neighbor Dan at Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Pop-Up Market distribution in Elgin. “[It’s my] very first time,” Dan shares, explaining that he’s never […]
Chicken meatballs are here to stay! If you’ve been getting groceries from the Food Bank or a local food pantry, you’re probably familiar with chicken meatballs. Some folks love them; others, not so much. Distributed as part of the federal government’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), shipments of these meatballs are large in quantity … […]
Building a strong, healthy community is important – especially during difficult times. As the COVID-19 pandemic and food insecurity continue to impact so many of us , we know that we can only get through these tough times together. That’s why Mark, a volunteer at Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Winnebago Community Market, is so grateful […]
Julio has a heart for service. As a veteran, he’s defended our country. As a grandfather, he’s taken good care of his family. As a volunteer at a senior food pantry, he’s working to feed his neighbors. He knows firsthand the importance of his service at the pantry – because sometimes he shops for groceries […]
This September, we’re inviting you to join us for the SNAP Challenge! We want to talk about SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and dig into what those benefits look like in REAL life, REAL time, and REAL food. What does it mean to take the SNAP Challenge? Taking the SNAP Challenge means […]
September is Hunger Action Month, when we come together as a community to spread awareness of hunger and take action to make sure everyone has access to the food they need. We have special volunteer shifts, donation challenges, and many other ways to get involved this month. No matter how you choose to act, no […]
At the Food Bank, thousands of volunteers help make sure neighbors have access to nutritious groceries every year. From sorting and packing food in our warehouse, to loading groceries into cars rain or shine, our volunteers are truly making a difference. This year, the Food Bank is participating in the 9/11 National Day of Service […]
