For over ten years, Sodexho has supported Northern Illinois Food Bank in its fight against hunger, especially with its efforts to help children. Sodexho's insight has been invaluable in assisting with the planning, development, and operation of the Food Bank's Summer Youth Nutrition Program and After-School Snack Program.

During the school year, low-income children receive a nutritious lunch during the day. In the summer, however, these meals stop and many children don't get the food they so desperately need. The Food Bank was committed to addressing this problem, and Sodexho offered their professionalism, knowledge, and support to help these children. In its first year in 1999, 145 children received 2,000 meals. Last summer, lunches were provided to 2,050 kids per day. A total of 48,000 lunches helped children grow stronger and brighten our future. In addition to preparing lunches at Sodexho - operated kitchens, Sodexho employees also helped make summer fun by volunteering their time to host picnics for the children.

In 2004, Sodexho once again stepped forward to help hungry children by partnering with Northern Illinois Food Bank to launch its After-School Snack Program. Sodexho employees volunteer weekly to pack the nutritious after-school snacks that supplement the food low-income children receive each day.

In addition to helping hungry children, Sodexho supports Northern Illinois Food Bank in its efforts to spread awareness of local hunger. Sodexho played a major role in last summer's National Hunger Awareness Day by supplying the lunches at One Big Table events in six counties where community leaders joined together to promote the fight against hunger.

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