Northern Illinois Food Bank is celebrating receiving its one millionth gift. The nonprofit organization has supported food pantries and other food services in the area for 39 years. (Photo provided by Northern Illinois Food Bank)
By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Northern Illinois Food Bank is celebrating receiving its millionth gift.

The nonprofit organization held a “thanks a million” event to mark the receipt of its one millionth gift and thank donors for their contributions. The one million gifts now total more than $220 million in donations to the food bank over its 39-year history.

“We continue to be amazed by the incredible generosity of our donors,” Maeven Sipes, chief philanthropy officer at Northern Illinois Food Bank, said in a news release. “Whether the donation is a few dollars or a million, all gifts make a difference and impact the lives of our neighbors across northern Illinois who are food insecure.”

More inspiring news: $50K in healthy snacks delivered to Rockford schools and other organizations

Food banks have seen an increased need this year. Mayor Tom McNamara’s Hunger Campaign, which concluded on Aug. 13, acknowledged that fact while urging people to donate to the Greater Rockford Food Pantry Coalition.

Northern Illinois Food Bank has previously hosted a variety of events including pop-up markets, free food lines and more.

The food bank partners with 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and youth and senior feeding programs. It has distribution centers in Geneva, Lake Forest, Rockford and Joliet.

How to donate

For more information on the Northern Illinois Food Bank and how to donate, visit solvehungertoday.org 


This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent

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