Combating Hunger: A Community-Driven Crusade

September marks Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign spearheaded by Feeding America to raise awareness and spur action against the persistent issue of food insecurity. In the Chicagoland area, three local food banks have joined this vital mission, mobilizing volunteers, setting ambitious fundraising goals, and implementing innovative strategies to tackle hunger head-on.

Empowering Communities, Nourishing Futures

Feeding the Hungry, Fueling Hope

The Northern Illinois Food Bank, serving 13 counties in the region, is at the forefront of this fight against hunger. With a staggering 570,000 individuals relying on their services each month, the organization's director of volunteers, Shannon Thompson, emphasizes the growing need. "The need continues to grow," she states, underscoring the urgency of their mission.Last year, the tireless efforts of volunteers contributed an astounding 149,000 hours of service, the equivalent of more than 70 full-time employees. These dedicated individuals, like Brook Noring, a mother of four who has been volunteering for four years, find a sense of purpose and belonging in their work. "Fell in love with it," Noring shares, reflecting on her initial involvement through a Girl Scout outing. "Everyone eats food, it's necessary for everyone. For me, it just felt like home here, so this was my calling."Retiree Dennis Finney has been donating his time for 14 years, drawn to the "wonderful people" and their "good hearts" who share a common goal. "They want to be here," he says, highlighting the camaraderie and sense of community that permeates the organization.

Transforming Surplus into Sustenance

The food bank's operations extend far beyond volunteer engagement. They work tirelessly to collect and repurpose surplus food from manufacturers, wholesalers, and grocery stores, transforming it into nourishment for a network of 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, and feeding programs. This intricate process of sorting, evaluating, and repacking the donated items ensures that every morsel of food is utilized to its fullest potential.Hunger Action Day, celebrated on a Tuesday each September, is a particularly significant event for the organization. On this day, more than 100 volunteers descend upon the Geneva facility, dedicating their time and energy to this vital cause. "Volunteer Hall" becomes a hive of activity as these individuals sort, evaluate, and repack the diverse array of food items, from fresh produce to dairy and meat.

Advocating for Change, Empowering Communities

The Greater Chicago Food Depository, serving Cook County, has also joined the fight against hunger. In addition to their volunteer events, they have launched the "86 Hunger" campaign, where a portion of proceeds from participating restaurants is directed towards their mission. This innovative approach not only raises funds but also engages the broader community in the fight against food insecurity.Camerin Mattson, the communications manager for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, emphasizes the organization's belief that "food is a basic human right, and we want to make sure that everyone has access." This conviction is reflected in their advocacy efforts, which encourage supporters to directly communicate with legislators, amplifying the voices of those in need.According to Mattson, the impact of these initiatives is profound, with one in five households with children in Chicago suffering from food insecurity. The organization's volunteers have contributed an astounding 100,000 hours of service in the past year, packing more than seven million pounds of food.

A Holistic Approach to Hunger Relief

The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana is also playing a crucial role in the fight against hunger. They are hosting a "Hunger Hike" fundraiser on September 21 at the Lake County Fairgrounds, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and support this vital cause.By combining volunteer engagement, innovative fundraising campaigns, and targeted advocacy efforts, these Chicagoland food banks are taking a multifaceted approach to addressing the complex issue of food insecurity. Their dedication and the unwavering support of their communities are a testament to the power of collective action in creating a more nourished and equitable society.