NIFB’s population has grown from 3.4 million in 2000 to 3.9 million in 2009, while the number of people living at or below poverty level grew even more dramatically, from 191,252 to 269,280 – a 50% increase. Statistics indicate that 95,603 children live in poverty, and 182,990 are enrolled to receive free or reduced-price meals. To combat childhood hunger, NIFB operates the Youth Nutrition Program (YNP). During the 2008-2009 school year and 2009 summer programs, 399,311 after school meals were served to an average of 2,927 kids per day, 1,044 food-filled backpacks were distributed each Friday, and 104,727 summer meals were served to an average of 2,984 kids per day!

In 1999 the Northern Illinois Food Bank launched its first Youth Nutrition Program by providing lunches during the summer to low-income children. Since that time, NIFB has worked with the Illinois State Board of Education to become a sponsor for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Through SFSP and CACFP contracts as well as charitable gifts, the YNP has increased the amount of food provided to children who lack access to adequate amounts of nutritious food.

Challenged by a growing number of children living in poverty and those eligible for free or reduced-price meals, as well as a diverse geographic area, NIFB executes a year-round, multi-faceted approach to addressing childhood hunger.  

To learn more about each of the Youth Nutrition Programs, click on the links below:

After-School Nutrition Programs

Summer Food Service Program 
 

BackPack Program

 

Click here to make a donation to NIFB.

For more information on childhood hunger, how to become a program site or to learn of a program in your neighborhood, please contact NIFB at hunger@northernilfoodbank.org or call 630.443.6910.