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NIFB’s population has grown from 3.4 million in 2000 to 3.8
million in 2005, while the number of people living at or below poverty level
grew even more dramatically, from 191,252 to 275,008 – a 43% increase.
Statistics indicate that 97,788 children live in poverty, and 182,811 are
enrolled to receive free or reduced price lunches. To combat childhood
hunger, NIFB operates the Youth Nutrition Program (YNP). During the 2006-2007
school year and summer programs, 26,170 hot suppers were served to an average of
177 kids per day, 109,940 after school snacks were served to an average of 1,128
kids per day, 80,582 Super Snacks were served to an average of 1,091 kids
per day, and 75,921 summer lunches were served to an average of 2,125 kids per
day!
Eight
years ago 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 (97,788) and those eligible for free-reduced priced lunches
(182,811), 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
Snack & Super Snack/Cold Supper Program
Kids Cafe®/Hot Supper Program
BackPack Program
Summer Food Service Program
Click here to make a donation to NIFB's Youth Nutrition Programs.
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.
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