Things are bad enough when you have to face escalating prices all around you, but when you lose your job, it can feel downright hopeless.  Something as basic as buying food can feel like a Herculean task. NIFB makes this task easier for hungry people because no one chooses to lose their job or wants to go without food.

"Jake", a Vietnam veteran and recipient of the Bronze Star, recently lost his job as a repairman due to downsizing.  He never thought that he would have to start a new career in his fifties.  The jobs he has been able to find are part-time so he also does side jobs for people he knows.  Samantha Haggerty, Communications Manager for NIFB, knows all too well "Jake's" story.  She said, "If it weren’t for a food pantry in DeKalb County, [he] would not have enough food to live on."

There are too many people like "Jake" who have served their country and worked their whole lives but still fall short.  The least we can do is help pick them up and let them know that we care.  Each and every one of us can make a difference in the lives of a hungry neighbor. 

Nobody needs to be reminded these days about the ever increasing fuel costs.  We see it at the gas pump, and each day seems to bring  record level closings for oil on the world market.  Now, with Americans getting hit harder than ever at the pump, we must now face rising food prices at a rate not seen in nearly 34 years!  For those people who were just "getting by" before, this double whammy is becoming too much to bear.

Recent reports show that overall food prices have increased by 5% since last year, far outpacing average inflation rates.  Basic food commodities, like wheat and milk, have skyrocketed over the last year affecting the price of items like breads and cheeses.  Eggs have jumped nearly 35%  over that period.  Corn prices have risen by 41% since last year, which not only affects corn-based products but also increases the farmer's cost of feeding cattle and pigs, thereby affecting meat and pork prices.  Contributing factors to these rising food costs include higher worldwide demand, lower crop yields in 2007, bio-fuel production, and, of course, increased transportation costs.  Due to these overwhelming factors, major food companies report that they are raising prices on 95% of their products right now and that further price increases will likely occur further down the road.  While we all feel the affects of increased fuel and food prices, lower-class families and even middle-class families are at their breaking point.

Simply put, this has led to an alarming increase in the amount of people who are, and will be, using the 520 food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens Northern Illinois Food Bank serves.  Neighbors who were already struggling to make ends meet need our help more than ever.  People like you are the reason why we are able to get food to those in need.  Your decision to donate can make a lasting affect on the life of a hungry neighbor.  The Food Bank invites you to contact us for in-depth report on price changes in the food and fuel areas.

Click here to make a difference today.

For years now, Kraft employees have reserved a day to come to the Food Bank to get their hands dirty and to spread some good will at the same time.  Council members from the Kraft Employee Fund braved single digit temperatures to hand out food at the Food Bank's Mobile Pantry in Waukegan.  In just two hours, more than 10,000 pounds of food, including potatoes, fresh pears, salad, beef, chicken, and pork were distributed to 297 families!  In addition, a total of 100 volunteers descended on the Lake County Branch in Park City and the Headquarters in St. Charles to process and pack over 38,000 pounds of food!

Northern Illinois Food Bank thanks Kraft Foods and its employees for their continued commitment to help our hungry neighbors.  This ongoing support has made it possible for NIFB to bring smiles to the faces of many people, both young and old.  Kraft Cares is more than a slogan; it is a spirit, a purpose, and a difference-maker.  Click here to learn about volunteer opportunities.

With a name like Justice League, you would think this was a group of super heroes, not a group of 5th graders from Rejoice Lutheran Church.  But on a frigid Tuesday night in January, these sixteen hardy kids were acting like super heroes when they ventured to the Food Bank to pack food for hungry people in northern Illinois.

Sarah Luedtke, the group leader, explains that these kids get together to study injustices in the world, including slave labor, homelessness, and, of course, hunger.  "It is so important to be active in the community and globally for many reasons," said Luedtke.  NIFB could not agree more; getting kids active early in their lives will keep them active into adulthood.  "We should be thankful we have so much and acknowledge what's happening to try to prevent hunger", said Megan, a member of the group.  "Because it is doing the right thing and it will benefit many people", added Connor when asked why is it important to volunteer.  It's amazing that at such a young age, these kids already feel the need to help the less fortunate; now that's what I call a super hero.  Thank you Justice League for all your help!