As the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity, America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network (A2H) has sought to engage the public in the issue of hunger. The challenge is that after 30 years of being established as America’s Second Harvest, the national brand is still relatively unknown in the general public with only a 22% awareness. Further, the issue of hunger in America isn’t fully understood or is too often ignored.

In order to meaningfully and profoundly impact public engagement on hunger, the national organization decided to change the national brand identity to Feeding America after a two year research period. The Feeding America brand outperformed the former version on almost all measures among test groups. Feeding America clearly explains the mission of the national network and readily invites the public into the hunger movement.

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This September, Northern Illinois Food Bank will participate in the inaugural nationwide Hunger Action Month. Local events, volunteer opportunities, and fundraisers will raise support for the 287,303 individuals living on the brink of hunger in northern Illinois. In doing so, NIFB joins the other food banks of the Feeding America network that are conducting similar events across the country.

Hungry people in our communities need help, and Northern Illinois Food Bank has been committed to providing food for over 25 years.  “You’ll be hard pressed to find a community in the United States that is immune from hunger,” says Dennis Smith, Executive Director of the Food Bank. “Hunger is a silent epidemic that affects too many people right here in our backyard. Our participation in Hunger Action Month, along with more than 200 Feeding America food banks, is a call to all Americans to get involved locally to bring an end to hunger right in your hometown.”  By donating food, funds, or time to the Food Bank's efforts, each and every one of us in the community can help hungry families.

Hunger Action Month is organized on a national level through Feeding America with local food banks conducting events across the United States that directly benefit the network’s hunger-relief efforts. Throughout the month of September, NIFB will offer many ways for the community to get involved. From food drives to golf outings, volunteer events to art shows, there’s something everyone can do all over northern Illinois.  Take action this September and help feed a hungry neighbor!

Click here for a full list of activities!
 

NIFB is thankful to have dedicated volunteers helping every day of the week.  Recently, Discover Financial Services chipped in at the Lake County Branch with 30 of their employees to make a difference in the lives of hungry people.  In less than three hours, these dedicated "troops" inspected and processed over 10,000 pounds of meat ready for distribution.  This effort ensures that nutritious food is available immediately for the hungry.  Northern Illinois Food Bank relies heavily on the generosity of people like these who donate their time to give back to their communities.  Thank you, Discover, for making a difference!

On August 16th, one of the Food Bank's most dedicated volunteers worked his last day. After 17 years of donating his free time to NIFB, Don Ciszewski said "goodbye" to his friends here and entered the world of retirement.  Don will be making his new home in North Carolina, and we are sure that it will not be long before he takes on a new cause there.  Thank you, Don, for your unwavering support of the Food Bank, and good luck in your newfound retirement!

Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities at NIFB!
 

Leading up to the inaugural Hunger Action Month for September, Dominick's hosted a food drive at all of their stores in the Chicago land area to benefit Northern Illinois Food Bank and Greater Chicago Food Depository. The food drive is scheduled to end on August 30th so numbers of pounds collected is not yet known, but we are confident that the community's support will make it a success. This food drive will get the public ready for Hunger Action Month!  Dominick's continuously shows their commitment to the community, and NIFB thanks them for their support!