CARING + SHARING | To Give, To Inspire

NORTHERN ILLINOIS FOOD BANK If you are looking for a fun event this summer that also supports a great cause, Northern Illinois Food Bank offers many to choose from. They just so happen to have events that cater to some of my favorite past times: golf, running and tasting lots of glorious foods!

The organization leads the Northern Illinois community in solving hunger and providing nutritious meals to those in need. The Food Bank is based in Geneva with distribution centers also in Rockford, Park City, and soon, Joliet. “I love that we engage people at their very best,” says Julie Yurko, president and CEO of the Food Bank, “whether someone is being courageous and asking for help or generous and choosing to give their time, energy and resources to serve our mission of solving hunger in Northern Illinois.”

Last year, the Food Bank provided more than 62.5 million meals to those in need. They were fortunate to have more than 155,000 volunteer hours donated by more than 31,000 participants. The organization is grateful for the support they receive from volunteers, corporations, foundations, and community organizations. “Every $1 donated provides $8 worth of groceries to our hungry neighbors and 97% of all resources go directly to our various feeding programs,” explains Julie.

There are many ways to participate in the Food Bank’s mission, from sorting and packing food at any of the distribution centers, to serving as a volunteer, joining an event planning committee or attending any one of their fun community fundraising events.

This is their fourth year of hosting their Foodie 5K’s- a series of three 5K’s hosted across Northern Illinois. There is still one left this summer on September 9th in Romeoville. If you are a golfer, August 22nd is the date of their 19th Annual Hunger Scramble Golf Outing at Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton. Some of my favorites, because it includes great food, of course, are their culinary events, A Taste that Matters, usually held in May and their upcoming Stars and Cars cocktail event in Northbrook this October, where you enjoy mouthwatering tastings provided by Chefs in popular restaurants while mingling with local celebrities and athletes among luxury vehicles.

Whatever your talent or time commitment, there is a place for you in the Northern Illinois Food Bank family. You can check them out at www.SolveHungerToday.org or call (630) 443-6910 to get involved.

Mindy’s August Giving Inspiration: Go through your pantry. Is there food there that is still good, but you just don’t have a use for? Donate it to your local food pantry or Food Bank (hint hint).

ABOUT THE WRITER Mindy Kyle is the owner of Be Inspired Studios and is passionate about helping people discover what brings them joy and to live a full, healthy and happy life. She has her Masters in Fine Arts degree in creative writing from DePaul University and lives in Naperville with her husband, three children and the cutest dog in the land.

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