Abbott Donates $250,000 to Combat Child Hunger in Northern Illinois

UPDATE: Abbott has just announced a significant $250,000 donation to the Northern Illinois Food Bank to support the urgent needs of food-insecure families in the region. This crucial funding will provide approximately 225,000 meals over the next three months, specifically targeting children who rely on school meals during the week.

As many families face escalating food insecurity, the Northern Illinois Food Bank’s BackPack Program is stepping up to fill the gaps. On October 9, 2023, Abbott employees volunteered at the food bank to assemble meal packages, ensuring that children receive enough food for nine to eleven meals to sustain them over the weekends. The program serves 190 schools across nine counties in northern Illinois, including Lake County, affecting nearly 300 children.

“We want to help people live healthy lives,” said Kathryn McKenzie, vice president of the Abbott Fund. “The need has never been greater, and we are committed to supporting families through this partnership.”

The BackPack Program, primarily funded through private donations, complements the federally funded school meal programs that provide free breakfasts and lunches to low-income students. The program ensures that food-insecure families do not go hungry during weekends when school meals are unavailable.

According to Jen Lamplough, chief impact officer at the food bank, the initiative is crucial for many families. “This helps tide families over on the weekends and into the next week,” she explained. The bags, filled with nutritious, shelf-stable items like pasta, sauce, canned fruits, and proteins, are carefully curated to ensure they can create balanced meals.

The impact of the program extends beyond basic nutrition. Schools report that students who participate show improved attendance and engagement in the classroom. Brooke Hagstrom, communications manager for Woodland Community School District 50, noted that approximately 42% of their students come from low-income families. “The program promotes stronger student attendance, engagement, and success in the classroom,” Hagstrom said.

The urgency of the situation has escalated, with food insecurity in the region increasing by 32% since 2019, exacerbated by inflation and the end of federal relief programs. “An additional 100,000 people were impacted when assistance stopped,” Lamplough stated, highlighting the growing demand for support.

Abbott’s involvement is more than just financial; their employees contribute approximately 375 volunteer hours annually, aiding in operations and logistics for the food bank. This hands-on support is crucial in ensuring that food reaches those who need it most.

As the food bank continues to operate in this challenging environment, the partnership with Abbott underscores a community commitment to tackling childhood hunger. The need for such initiatives remains critical as families struggle to provide adequate nutrition amidst rising costs.

Moving forward, community members and organizations are urged to support these efforts to ensure that no child goes hungry. With Abbott’s recent contribution, the BackPack Program is poised to make a significant difference in the lives of many families in northern Illinois. Stay tuned for further updates on this vital initiative.