Jewel-Osco has become a model company for giving back to the community.  Originally established in 1899, the company and its associates remain committed to the communities they serve, contributing more than $4 million each year to a variety of local charitable causes, including Northern Illinois Food Bank (NIFB).  For over twenty years, Jewel-Osco has been NIFB’s dedicated partner in feeding hungry people in our communities.

Through monetary gifts, Jewel-Osco has long supported Northern Illinois Food Bank with over $45,000 donated last year alone.  During Hunger Awareness Day in June 2006, volunteers stationed at Jewel-Osco stores collected more than $61,000 to benefit the NIFB’s partner agencies.  In addition, as the Benefactor Sponsor of this year’s Donor Appreciation Dinner and a past Advocate Sponsor, Jewel-Osco displays strong confidence in NIFB’s efforts and solidarity with NIFB’s partners.

Jewel-Osco constantly explores new ways to support the community and realizes that funds alone cannot solve the problem of hunger. NIFB’s Food Rescue and Recovery program redirects millions of pounds of food each year to the hungry and Jewel-Osco has been instrumental from the beginning.  This program allows NIFB to pick up beef, poultry, pork, and seafood daily at Jewel-Osco stores so that our hungry neighbors have access to this valuable source of protein.  Through this program, Jewel-Osco contributed almost 2 million pounds of food to the Food Bank last year alone.

Jewel-Osco continues to help Northern Illinois Food Bank end hunger one meal at a time, especially during the holiday season.  Each year, NIFB’s Holiday Meal Box program provides thousands of needy families with a full turkey dinner with all the fixings, including stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, dessert, and coffee.  Jewel-Osco secured over 24,000 turkeys and stored them for NIFB making 2006 the most successful year with over 24,000 families benefiting.  In addition, employees from the company volunteered at the Food Bank to assemble Holiday Meal Boxes.   This spirit of volunteering can be seen throughout the year.  They serve on the Board of Directors, volunteer on the Food Rescue and Recovery Truck, sort food in the processing room, and assemble Holiday Meal Boxes every year.

This level of support could not be possible without commitment at the corporate level and enthusiastic support in local stores.  On behalf of hungry people who have been helped through their generosity, it is with great honor that Northern Illinois Food Bank honors Jewel-Osco as Donor of the Year.  Congratulations and thank you!

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