Many partners within the food industry increased their giving to Northern Illinois Food Bank this last year and made it possible for NIFB to distribute more than 27 million pounds of food.  Retail donors, such as Jewel-Osco, Sam's Club, Hilander, and Dominick's, donated more than 4.8 million pounds of meat, produce, and bakery items through the Food Bank's Food Recovery Program.  This represents a 1.5 million pound increase of quality, nutritious food over the previous year. Nearly 80 stores now contribute to this amazing program, and NIFB plans on adding up to 22 Super Wal-Marts this year!

The Food Bank added a new program last year with a longtime supporter.  Del Monte stepped up to help NIFB by donating dented cans of product from its Rochelle plant, which could not be sold in the stores.  Products such as green beans, corn, peas, and pears began flooding into NIFB's Rockford Branch last July.  Over the last year, this program yielded 816,791 pounds of food!

Click here to see additional partners of NIFB!

Twelve months ago, many across the country were feeling the affects of the economy but still held out hope that the worst was behind us.  As unemployment rates continued to climb, though, these hopes were quickly dashed.  The national rate now stands at 9.7% compared to 5.7% just a year ago and will likely hit double digits before the summer is out.  As these numbers have risen, so have the numbers of people going to food pantries.  "Food Banks have never seen this kind of need before," said Dennis Smith, Executive Director & CEO of NIFB.  "Our food pantry network reports a 35% increase in people seeking help."

To meet this rising need, Northern Illinois Food Bank called on all of its donors for help.  The outpouring of support was overwhelming as monetary donations and food donations poured into the Food Bank.  This effort allowed the Food Bank to deliver over 27 million pounds of food to hungry neighbors, a nearly 20% increase over the previous fiscal year!  In addition, NIFB was able to more than double the meals served to low-income children to over 900,000 meals this year!  "The Food Bank called on communities in northern Illinois to help, and they really stepped up to the challenge," said Sue Ericson, Director of Development.  "We still have a lot of work to do this coming fiscal year, but we are confident that our current donors will continue to support us and that new people will join our efforts."

The next fiscal year will be another challenging period as unemployment continues to inch higher.  Even more of our neighbors will be struggling to pay rent, utilities, AND put a meal on the table.  With your continued help, Northern Illinois Food Bank will reach these struggling families.

Thank you to all of our supporters!

The 4th annual Best in Paradise event held June 20th in Loves Park proved to be another successful year with teams competing for the Best Cheeseburger and Best Margarita awards. The event was started by a few people in 2005 when they learned about the work of Northern Illinois Food Bank. Julie Christian, a nurse at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center and event organizer said, "This started out as a little idea and it just gets bigger and bigger each year and it’s just amazing how well it has gone."

Despite the heat, more people came out this year compared to last netting over 30% more revenue. They got the chance to sample margaritas, enjoy the music of “Pirates Over 40”, as well as savor burgers and brats donated and cooked by the Rockford Cosmopolitan Club.  The Best Cheeseburger in Paradise winner was The White Dolphin Club, winning not only the Best Cheeseburger, but also the Most Creative Cabana area! The Northern Illinois Parrothead’s beer margarita took first place in the Best Margarita in Paradise, with Gilligan’s Island winning the Most Creative Cabana area.

Click here for complete info on the event!

On Tuesday June 23rd, NIFB wrapped up its three month bowling promotion with a packed house at eSkape Entertainment Center in Buffalo Grove. Starting in April, the Food Bank brought a bowling tournament to 6 communities with the hopes of raising funds and awareness for their fight against hunger. Twenty-four qualifying teams each did their best to take home the “Hunger Cup”.  In the end, though, there could only be one winner. ACOSTA Sales and Marketing took the cup with a score of 2,897. According to Mike Puttrich of ACOSTA, the hunger cup trophy “is like the Stanley Cup of Bowling”. 

In addition to raffles, auction items, and a 50/50 drawing, the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the participation of former Chicago Bears players. In attendance were James “Big Cat” Williams, Otis Wilson, Jim Morrissey, and Glen Kozlowski. They signed memorabilia, posed for photos and chatted up the crowd. And when it came time to do some bowling they proved they could do more than play football. The event raised nearly $25,000 which will go a long way towards helping the Food Bank in their fight to end hunger.  The bowling tournament will become an annual event, and as "Big Cat" said, "You just can't miss it!"  Take his word for it!
 

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!

NIFB recently received $30,000 from the WGN Radio 720 Neediest Kids Fund, a fund of the McCormick Foundation.  The WGN Radio 720 Neediest Kids Fund was an important partner when NIFB started its Youth Nutrition Program in 1999 to provide lunches during the summer to low-income children and continues to be a leader in the fight against childhood hunger.  Today nearly 3,000 children receive meals daily from the Food Bank's youth programs.  Thank you WGN Radio 720 Neediest Kids Fund for your continued support!