The Food Recovery Program is one of the many hunger relief services of Northern Illinois Food Bank (NIFB). With its inauguration in April 2000, made possible through matching funding support from Kraft Foods, Inc., Northern Illinois Food Bank's Food Recovery program began.

Northern Illinois Food Bank truck drivers with volunteers collect perishable foods from 102 local retail stores. This food is then redistributed to non-profit organizations that feed hungry people.  This food, especially from the grocery stores, is perfectly fine but has just reached its sell-by-date.  NIFB takes great care to make sure that this quality, nutritious food gets into the hands of hungry people who just cannot afford it.

The Food Recovery Program has grown from 23,374 pounds in fiscal year 2000 to 4.6 million pounds in fiscal year 2009.  Most importantly, of the total pounds saved from the dumpster last year, over 2.8 million pounds were meat, a valuable source of protein for our hungry neighbors.

The collection and delivery of food to hungry neighbors saves waste and enables non-profit organizations to maximize resources by keeping food out of the landfills where it would otherwise go for disposal.