In the bustling halls of the Northern Illinois Food Bank, a dedicated team of volunteers is working tirelessly to ensure that no one goes hungry this holiday season. From packing food boxes to coordinating logistics, these selfless individuals are making a tangible difference in the lives of their neighbors facing food insecurity.

Feeding Families, Fueling Hope

Retired Volunteer Finds Fulfillment in Giving Back

Vicki Edwards, a recent retiree from St. Charles, has found a new purpose in volunteering at the Northern Illinois Food Bank. "I've been here about three months after I finally retired and needed something to do," she explains. "This certainly makes you feel good about helping other people." Edwards is just one of the many volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to the food bank's mission, ensuring that families in need can enjoy a special holiday meal.

Massive Effort, Meaningful Impact

The Northern Illinois Food Bank is no stranger to the challenges of the holiday season. This year, the organization is taking on the monumental task of preparing 50,000 holiday meal boxes for distribution across 13 counties in rural and suburban Northern Illinois. "This year, thanks to the generous support of sponsors and volunteers, the food bank will be providing 50,000 holiday meal boxes to neighbors facing hunger," the organization proudly announced in a recent press release.

Overcoming Rising Costs and Increasing Demand

The task of providing these holiday meals is not without its obstacles. Ken Madden, the program manager for the Northern Illinois Food Bank, notes that the cost of food continues to rise, with the price of a single turkey reaching around . "The cost of food continues to go up, but we are still receiving a lot of donations," Madden explains. "The issue is a lack of resources, and we have seen more neighbors reaching out to our network than we ever have before."

Volunteers Bring Holiday Cheer to the Assembly Line

Despite the challenges, the volunteers at the Northern Illinois Food Bank are undeterred. On a recent Thursday, the food bank saw a surge of activity, with over 40 volunteers in the morning and 75 in the afternoon, all working together to pack the holiday meal boxes. "Both Thursdays and Saturdays are typically our biggest volunteer days," Madden shares. "We expect to have the 50,000 boxes done by the middle of November."

A Community of Dedicated Volunteers

Among the volunteers is Ken Bruzek, a Lombard resident who has been lending a hand at the food bank for about 13 years. "This is a lot of fun and knowing where the food is going and to the people that need it, that makes this special," he says. Diane Lewinski, a volunteer from St. Charles, echoes Bruzek's sentiment, stating, "This gets you in the holiday spirit and it's a good thing to do. I like that it's not paid. I mean, we're volunteers and it feels good."The Northern Illinois Food Bank's holiday meal box program is a testament to the power of community and the transformative impact of volunteerism. As the holiday season approaches, these dedicated individuals are not only providing nourishment to those in need but also spreading the warmth and joy of the season, one box at a time.