On February 17th, President Obama signed the Economic Recovery & Reinvestment Act into law, and while debate rages over the exact impact of this legislation, one thing is certain: people in our communities need immediate help. The bill will increase Food Stamp benefits for recipients by 13.6% each month, providing additional help to low-income people struggling to buy food and injecting much-needed funds into the economy. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) both will see additional funding allowing food banks across the country to acquire and distribute more food to the hungry.

“This help is coming at a crucial time and we’re confident that it will relieve some anxiety for the people that we serve,” says NIFB Executive Director & CEO, Dennis Smith. 

To learn more about the package and how it will affect Illinois go to the Recovery Illinois website.
 

In the past, the Food Bank would often have to educate people about hunger in our communities; that the face of hunger will surprise you; that this "silent epidemic" could affect anyone.  It could be an eye-opening experience for someone who just could not believe that hunger existed in their community.  In these troubling economic times, fewer people are surprised by this news, and hunger is becoming less silent.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released the unemployment rates for January with national rates hitting 8.1% and Illinois numbers reaching 7.9%.  Unfortunately for the 13 counties served by NIFB, the numbers were often much higher.  In all but one of these counties, the rates surpassed the national number and six of the counties had unemployment rates in the double digits.  Boone County had the highest unemployment rate in Illinois at 16.4%, more than double the national rate.  Nearly all of us now know someone who has lost a job, or even worse, have personally lost one.

NIFB's network of agencies is seeing this with the number of people seeking food assistance increasing by 30% compared to just one year ago.  Many of these people, the agencies report, are middle class families who have never used a food pantry but need help now.  Gary Moe, a Board Member at NIFB, recently volunteered at a Mobile Pantry.  "You can see it in the eyes of the people coming through the line," said Moe. "They don’t want to be there but they have no where else to turn. They need this food."  As more and more people struggle in this economy, Northern Illinois Food Bank will continue to help people put a meal on the table.

Click here to help a hungry neighbor!

On April 4, 2009, Northern Illinois Food Bank will host its Tenth Annual Donor Appreciation Dinner generously presented by Jewel-Osco.  NIFB will be honoring four special partners including Tellabs with the Horizon Award, Beringer Vineyards as New Donor of the Year, Panera Bread into the Donor Hall of Fame, and Chicago Tribune & McCormick Foundation as the Donor of the Year.  Please come as we recognize these special partners and say thank you to ALL of our donors!

Last year, over 500 guests experienced the fun and excitement of this event and came together to raise funds for people in need.  The Food Bank expects over 500 people in attendance again, so get your ticket today before the event sells out.  You will have the chance to meet Blackhawk's  Hall of Fame legend, Denis Savard, enjoy a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception, bid on items in the silent and live auctions, sit down with friends for a wonderful dinner, and then dance the night away to the tunes of the Funk du Jour!  How can you go wrong?!?!

For just $175 a person, you will have memories that will last a lifetime; sponsorship opportunities are also available!  Click here to sign up today!

On February 3rd, about 60 people celebrated Mardi Gras a few weeks early at Heaven on Seven in Naperville and helped hungry neighbors at the same time.  NIFB hosted a Mardi Gras themed event where patrons enjoyed a 7-course Cajun dinner that left no one unsatisfied.  Guests were whisked away to New Orleans and forgot, at least for a few hours,  about the cold temperatures outside!

The festivities included music, raffles, and wine pairings with the food.  When all was said and done, nearly $3,000 was raised to help hungry people!  Thank you to all who came out to enjoy a wonderful evening, and special thanks to our event sponsors:  The Summer Place, Silig Mueller, Marian Chicago, The Naperville Sun, and Wolf & Company.