With rising costs, more and more people are seeking help.  Here are what some of NIFB's partner agencies are seeing each day in the fight against hunger:

Since 2001, Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights has released their report on poverty in Illinois, and each year, the numbers present a startling picture of more and more people facing the hardships of poverty.  In just the last year, the number of people living in poverty in the area served by Northern Illinois Food Bank increased from 275,008 people to 287,303 people, a 4.5% increase.  With the overall population in this area increasing by just 2.2%, the statistics provide evidence that a growing number of people are falling into poverty for the first time. What factors are causing so many people in our communities to struggle to make ends meet?

One need only to open their newspaper or turn on the evening news to see the reports on prices of fuel and food skyrocketing.  The Heartland Alliance 2008 Report on Illinois Poverty indicates that, since 2001, gasoline prices have risen by 93%, energy by 60%, and food by more than 15%, far outpacing inflation rates during that period.  Consequently, average weekly wages, after adjusting for inflation, actually fell during this time period with the statewide annual median income declining by over $1,500. In other words, as the cost of goods has increased since 2001, Illinoisans are earning less money through stagnant wages creating a massive purchasing power gap. Karen Carlson, Administrator for the St. Elizabeth's food pantry in Winnebago County, said, "A lot of people who had to put gas in the tank can’t afford food. Many of the people who come here are working for $7.50 an hour and have three kids—just getting to work has become a losing battle."  Unfortunately, these economic trends do not appear to be slowing. 

The Food Bank and its network of partner agencies are the safety net for catching the people who fall into hard times, but this net is quickly becoming overloaded.  Impossible choices are made each day by hungry neighbors such as a parent skipping meals so their children can eat or a senior who can't purchase medication because their food bill is too high.  In times like these, we must come together as a community to help friends in need.

On Saturday, April 5th, more than 500 people came together to celebrate Northern Illinois Food Bank's 25th Anniversary at its annual Donor Appreciation Dinner, presented by Jewel-Osco.  In addition to honoring its most dedicated donors, the event serves as the Food Bank's largest annual fundraiser.  This year's event netted over $210,000, enough to provide 1,302,000 meal equivalents to hungry neighbors!

In past years, the Food Bank has presented four awards to companies for their exemplary contributions throughout the year in feeding hungry people. But this year, the Food Bank decided that four awards were just not enough given the magnitude of the celebration. So, in honor of its 25th Anniversary, NIFB recognized twenty-five companies, organizations, and individuals for their contributions in feeding hope.  Former Bears Hall of Fame Defensive Tackle Dan Hampton kicked off the recognition event with a rousing speech on the importance of teamwork in achieving success.  To keep this theme alive, each of the twenty-five recipients were presented with a framed NIFB football jersey emblazoned with the number "25" to thank them for teaming up in the fight against hunger.  The festivities continued after dinner when Representative Jim Sacia of the 89th District served as the Auctioneer during the Live Auction and raised a whopping $18,250!  The night was capped off with live music and dancing with the Blooze Brothers Band.  Click here to learn more about the event and to view photos from the event!
 

With National Volunteer Week falling on April 27th - May 3rd, Northern Illinois Food Bank hosted its Tenth Annual Celebration of Caring event on Thursday, May 1st.  The Food Bank's annual event serves as a thank you to all of the dedicated companies, organizations, and individuals who give freely of their time to help hungry people.  Nearly 250 people came together on this evening to be recognized for their selfless dedication and to honor their peers.

Guests enjoyed a fun-filled evening at Pheasant Run in St. Charles with door prizes, a magician, and a sit-down dinner. Deacon Larry Stratton of Christ Community Church in St. Charles lead the invocation before the start of a wonderful dinner.  Kathy Blair, Manager of Giving DuPage - DuPage County Department of Community Services, kicked off the awards ceremony as the guest speaker with a passionate speech on the importance of volunteering. Finally, Kane County Sheriff Patrick Perez introduced the Inspirational Service Awards. Click here to read more and see the complete list of honorees.

Over the last year, more than 55,000 hours of time has been donated by volunteers doing a variety of tasks, including sorting and packing food, driving on trucks, assisting with Express Stamps, and distributing food at Mobile Pantry visits.  This donated time amounts to more than $1 million in salary saved by NIFB, which can be used to get more food to more people.  Click here to learn about volunteers opportunities available today!