UPDATE: Abbott just announced a significant $250,000 donation to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, providing urgent relief to families facing food insecurity. This funding is set to generate approximately 225,000 meals over the next three months, addressing a critical need among low-income families in Lake County and surrounding areas.
As part of the BackPack Program, Abbott’s contribution will ensure that nearly 300 children receive enough food for nine to eleven meals each weekend. This initiative is vital as many school districts in the region provide free meals during the week but leave families struggling over the weekends.
On October 9, Abbott employees volunteered alongside the food bank staff in Lake Forest to assemble food bags, demonstrating a strong commitment to community support. “Good nutrition is essential for good health,” said Kathryn McKenzie, vice president of the Abbott Fund. “We want to help people live healthy lives.”
The Northern Illinois Food Bank, led by chief impact officer Jen Lamplough, reports that food insecurity in the region has surged by 32% since 2019, a trend exacerbated by rising inflation and the end of federal relief programs. “An additional 100,000 people were impacted when assistance stopped,” Lamplough stated.
This partnership with Abbott is crucial as it not only provides meals but also strengthens the emotional and social wellbeing of students. Schools across 190 districts, including Waukegan, Gurnee, and Antioch, have been instrumental in identifying families in need. School social workers determine eligibility, ensuring that those most affected receive the necessary support.
Brooke Hagstrom, communications manager for Woodland Community School District 50, emphasized the program’s positive impact on student performance. “It promotes stronger attendance, engagement, and success in the classroom,” she noted. “It reinforces our commitment to caring for children academically, socially, and emotionally.”
The BackPack Program addresses the critical gap of food access during weekends, providing items like pasta, canned proteins, and fruits, all carefully selected to create balanced meals. “We seek meal companionship to ensure families can prepare wholesome meals together,” said Jessica Willis, child nutrition program manager at the food bank.
With Abbott’s robust volunteering efforts, which logged over 375 hours annually, the community’s involvement continues to grow. Volunteers help pack and distribute food, fostering a spirit of collaboration and support within the region.
As the need for food assistance increases, Abbott’s donation is a beacon of hope for families struggling to make ends meet. The urgency of this crisis demands immediate attention, and initiatives like the BackPack Program are essential in bridging the gap for vulnerable children.
Stay tuned for further updates on efforts to combat food insecurity in the area and how local organizations are rallying to support families in need.
