Northern Illinois Food Bank awarded 18 grants totaling $453,864 to local food pantries and food assistance programs to give better access to food and other resources for neighbors in need.
For many recipients, the funding will go toward building out their infrastructure – purchasing vehicles, installing new equipment such as refrigerators or freezers, or expanding their facilities. Some organizations will use the grants to better engage their community by improving communications and technology. Barb Food Mart in DeKalb, for instance, is creating materials and videos in Spanish to connect with their Spanish-speaking neighbors.
“These grants are critical for reaching underserved individuals, especially people of color,” said Jacqui Hebein, Director of Agency Relations for Northern Illinois Food Bank. “Our intention in providing these grants is to help our network improve and transform access, convenience and dignity so that our neighbors have the food and resources they need to thrive.”
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