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May/June 2007 - Vol. 1, Issue 5 |
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 35 Million People in America living in poverty |
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THE FACE OF HUNGER WILL SURPRISE
YOU:
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You can support the Northern Illinois Food Bank's mission to provide nutritious food to all those in need through our own efforts and those of our non-profit partners. Click here to make a donation TODAY!
This summer, the 110th Congress will reauthorize the Farm Bill, which has a breadth and reach far beyond American agricultural policy. The Farm Bill also will reauthorize a number of nutrition assistance programs crucial to the health and well-being of some of America’s most vulnerable people. In a nation with so much, is it possible that millions upon millions of Americans, including our neighbors, our friends, and even our family, face the dire threat of hunger on a daily basis? Simply put, the answer is "yes". Thus, it is essential that the 2007 Farm Bill address the pressing problem of hunger amidst plenty by strengthening the nation’s food assistance programs, such as the Food Stamp Program and The Emergency Food Assistance Program. This is your chance to make a real difference in the lives of our hungry neighbors. Please contact your elected representatives today. Tell them how important this legislation is and that they must support a strong Nutrition Title in the Farm Bill. Click here for info on contacting your Representative. |
Hunger
Awareness Day is doing something to change this. Member Food Banks
of the America’s Second Harvest network and other hunger-relief
organizations around the country will come together to recognize the
6th annual Hunger Various events are currently being planned including a Bag Hunger promo, Dine Out to Fight Hunger promo, Hunger Helpers Weekend, town hall meetings, and multiple Interfaith Services throughout the month of June. Click here for more information on these events and how to get involved or call 630-443-6910 today. |
NIFB Recognized
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Donor Appreciation Dinner 2007:
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Celebration of Caring IX:Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
In the past year, NIFB lost some of its dearest friends to cancer. Because of their contributions and dedication to the fight against hunger, two of NIFB’s volunteer awards were re-named for Lawrence P. Keller, Jr. and Jeanne M. Mulroy. NIFB honors the legacy of these two hunger fighters and will always remember their commitment. From board members to food sorters, Express Stamp volunteers to office helpers, fundraisers, advocates, cheerleaders, and more, NIFB relies on the help that these individuals, groups, and corporations provide in the efforts. NIFB knows that these volunteers are priceless and thanks each of them for their hard work and support. |
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Imagine
working your whole life to discover in your “Golden Years” that you
have to choose between buying medication or food. Imagine
working multiple jobs every day of the week and still falling short
on funds to buy food after all the bills have been paid. Imagine being a
child trying to pay attention in school but can’t because you
haven’t eaten since lunch the day before. Each day, more than 35
million Americans, including 13 million children, face this
uncertainty and the ever-looming cloud of hunger. Sadly, their
struggles largely go unnoticed by many of us.
Awareness Day by educating the public
about this epidemic and getting people involved. This year, Hunger
Awareness Day falls on June 5th and Northern Illinois
Food Bank needs your help more than ever to get the word out about
our hungry neighbors in need. Hunger has been a silent epidemic for
too long. It’s time to step up and put an end to hunger in America.
Whether it is advocating, raising awareness, sponsoring an event,
participating in an event, or volunteering, everyone can join us to
fight hunger in our communities. Hunger is a solvable problem
and is within our reach. Make a pledge this Hunger Awareness
Day to do something and help change the life of a friend in need.
NIFB
has been recognized for its leadership in finding new ways for
hungry neighbors to access food. Recently, NIFB received The
Illinois Nutrition Council Community Service Award and was a
finalist for Lumity’s Annual Technology Leadership Award. Both
honors were granted for NIFB’s leading role in the Express Stamps
Program.
NIFB
recently received a donation of $225,000 from the Chicago Tribune
Charities (a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation). These funds
were raised through the Chicago Tribune's annual Holiday Giving
campaign. Select agencies, including NIFB, were featured in "Charities
That Make A Difference", a series of articles in the Chicago Tribune
that ran in conjunction with this annual Holiday Giving campaign.
Photo credit: Randy Belice
Oberweis
Foundation and Oberweis Dairy customers provided more than $10,000 to
support NIFB's efforts through hunger collection boxes at 33 participating stores. This fundraising
opportunity will continue throughout all of 2007.
Panera Bread's
year-round
Operation Dough-Nation hunger collection boxes & company match - from both Panera
Bread-Chicago Bread, LLC ($32,693) and Panera Bread Corporate
($21,936) - made a major impact on hunger in northern Illinois.
The
Pampered Chef works toward "setting a place at the table for everyone"
through Round-Up from the Heart campaign. Since 1991, The Pampered
Chef has generated nearly $11 million for America's Second Harvest and
its affiliated food banks, including NIFB. Recently, NIFB received a
$9,809 contribution. 
received a special treat with former Bears Hall of Fame
Defensive Tackle Dan “The Danimal” Hampton attending the event and
showing his support in the fight against hunger. Last but not
least, Representative Jim Sacia of the 89th District
capped off the evening by being the auctioneer for the live auction
and bringing in a record amount of money for NIFB.
On
April 20th, NIFB honored its volunteers for their years
of service and dedication with its 9th Annual Volunteer
Appreciation Dinner. The evening was spent with more than 220 of
these dedicated volunteers that help make feeding our hungry
neighbors in northern