NIFB’s population has grown from 3.4 million in 2000 to 3.8 million in 2005, while the number of people living at or below poverty level grew even more dramatically, from 191,252 to 287,303 – a 50% increase. Statistics indicate that 90,859 children live in poverty, and 171,121 are enrolled to receive free or reduced price lunches. To combat childhood hunger, NIFB operates the Youth Nutrition Program (YNP). During the 2007-2008 school year and summer programs, 29,990 hot suppers were served to an average of 226 kids per day, 77,098 after school snacks were served to an average of 690 kids per day, 163,457 Super Snacks were served to an average of 1,140 kids per day, and 81,887 summer lunches were served to an average of 2,527 kids per day!

Eight years ago the Northern Illinois Food Bank launched its first Youth Nutrition Program by providing lunches during the summer to low-income children. Since that time, NIFB has worked with the Illinois State Board of Education to become a sponsor for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Through SFSP and CACFP contracts as well as charitable gifts, the YNP has increased the amount of food provided to children who lack access to adequate amounts of nutritious food.

Challenged by a growing number of children living in poverty (90,859) and those eligible for free-reduced priced lunches (171,121), as well as a diverse geographic area, NIFB executes a year-round, multi-faceted approach to addressing childhood hunger.  

To learn more about each of the Youth Nutrition Programs, click on the links below:

After-School Snack & Super Snack/Cold Supper Program

Kids Cafe®/Hot Supper Program

BackPack Program

Summer Food Service Program 


Click here to make a donation to NIFB.

For more information on childhood hunger, how to become a program site or to learn of a program in your neighborhood, please contact NIFB at hunger@northernilfoodbank.org or call 630.443.6910.