Jewel-Osco Launches Hunger Relief Grant Program

Jewel-Osco announced the launch of its new Hunger Relief Grant Program to help benefit local food pantry and soup kitchens across the company’s service areas in Illinois and Indiana. The $250,000 grant program was created in partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD), the Northern Illinois Food Bank (NIFB), and the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana (FBNI).  “With the entire country feeling the economic impact, more and more families are seeking help from local food pantries and soup kitchens,” said Keith Nielsen, president of Jewel-Osco. “That’s why we’re stepping up our efforts with the America’s Second Harvest food banks in our area to help meet this need.”  Qualified agencies can apply for grants of up to $2,500 designed to boost their operational efficiency. The program also provides for a food credit of up to $750. 

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Farm Bill Becomes Law Despite President's Veto

In an important act by the US Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate overwhelmingly voted in favor of the Farm Bill to override President Bush's veto.  The Farm Bill represents a significant victory for the more than 35 million Americans facing food insecurity each day.  In recent years, food banks nationwide have experienced a dramatic decline of nearly $200 million in food donations from the USDA surplus commodity program.  The newly adopted Farm Bill will increase funding for the Emergency Food Assistance Program from $140 million to $250 million a year providing much needed immediate relief for hungry Americans.  Northern Illinois Food Bank thanks all those representatives who voted in favor of passing this crucial legislation and encourages those who opposed it to support federal nutrition programs in the future.  Click here to take action!

Food for Families Program Can Reach Even More

The Illinois Food Bank Association recently hosted a luncheon at the Greater Chicago Food Depository for Illinois state legislators to acquaint them about the Food for Families Program - a $1,000,000 hunger relief initiative from the State of Illinois that will provide 1.5 million pounds of nutritious food to hungry families in need this fiscal year.  The State of Illinois has pledged $5,000,000 to support the Food for Families initiative again in Fiscal Year 2009 but support from the state legislature is critical for its passage.  State Representative Harry Ramey, 55th District, spoke at the breakfast about his volunteer efforts at local food pantries and at food drives for Hurricane Katrina victims, and stressed to his colleagues in attendance the importance for passing the Food for Families Programs in the upcoming fiscal year.  Please call or write your local representative today and tell them how important the Food for Families Program is to you!  Voting is scheduled to occur before the end of May so call now!  Click here for your representative.

NIFB Receives National Award for Express Stamps Program

Northern Illinois Food Bank recently received the Innovative Advocacy Campaign Award for its Express Stamps Program from America's Second Harvest.  This national award recognizes a member food bank for an outstanding campaign that demonstrates broad-based support among key audiences at the local level for a specific issue relating to hunger.  Express Stamps is a radical departure from the traditional food stamp application process as it takes the process to where people in need go for food - the food pantry.  Utilizing laptop computers that are connected to the Illinois DHS database, hungry people can apply remotely at the food pantry for Food Stamps and, if they qualify, receive a LINK card on the spot.  NIFB is proud to be recognized for its efforts in getting more food to hungry people.  Click here to learn how you can volunteer in this program!

Frito-Lay & Jewel Promo

Feed Your Family and Theirs

June 15 - September 1

Frito-Lay will donate 1% of all its sales up to $40,000 on their Frito-Lay Family Size bag of chips (any variety/flavor) purchased at a Jewel store to Northern Illinois Food Bank and Greater Chicago Food Depository.

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DuPage Blue Fest

Saturday, July 19th at 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Come out to the Arabian Knights Farms in Willowbrook on Saturday, July 19th for a day of family fun at the largest Democratic event ever in DuPage County.  Northern Illinois Food Bank will benefit from funds collected at the event.

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3rd Annual Best Cheeseburger in Paradise Cook-Off

Saturday, August 9th

Come out to Shooters in Loves Park to sample the best cheeseburgers and margaritas around.  Or enter your own recipes for a chance at the grand prize.  All proceeds to benefit Northern Illinois Food Bank.

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Volunteer Opportunities - Ongoing. New opportunities listed regularly! Click here to see NIFB's volunteer opportunities!

Call 630.443.6910 or email hunger@northernilfoodbank.org today for more details on how you can get involved in raising hunger awareness, food and funds for the fight against hunger in northern Illinois!