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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Factor donates five refrigerated vans to Aurora-area food pantries
Factor, a packaged meal delivery service, recently donated five refrigerated vans to food pantries operating in and around Aurora. The five vans, which were filled with Factor meals also donated by the company, were officially handed over at a ceremony held Wednesday at the company's facility at 2372 W. Indian Trail in Aurora. Late last year, company officials pledged during a press conference in Aurora to donate 10 refrigerated vans to food pantries over the course of 2025. 'This generous donation from Factor is a game-changer for our local food banks and for families in need,' Aurora Ald. Carl Franco, 5th Ward, said at Wednesday's ceremony. 'This isn't just about transportation, it's about ensuring no one in our community goes hungry.' The vans were given to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, Loaves & Fishes Community Services and Kendall County Food Pantry. Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry Executive Director Annette Johnson told The Beacon-News after the ceremony that Factor is a great community partner to the pantry — not only because of the donation of the refrigerated truck, which was set to go deliver food the same afternoon it was donated, but also because the company donates 3,000 meals each week to the organization. 'There has never been a better community partner than Factor,' she said. A vehicle is a huge donation, Mike Keane, director of programs at the Northern Illinois Food Bank, said after the ceremony. The new refrigerated van will allow the organization to be versatile in getting meals to those in need, he said, in the most timely and fresh way possible. It is a core belief of Factor that everyone deserves access to healthy and nutritious meals, according to Dan Seidel, chief operating officer of HelloFresh North America, which is Factor's parent company. He said during Wednesday's ceremony that this core belief is behind Factor's Fuel for Change initiative, through which the company has donated more than 2 million meals to food pantries like those represented at the ceremony. Late last year, Factor celebrated a milestone of one million meals donated to the Aurora community during a similar ceremony. Although meaningful progress has been made in fighting food insecurity, the challenge is 'only deepening,' Seidel said. In Illinois, one in eight people face food insecurity, meaning they do not have reliable access to nutritious food needed for healthy lifestyles, he said. Tackling the problem requires a commitment from 'every corner of society,' Seidel said, and 'only through collaboration can we build a future where everyone has access to healthy, nourishing food.' Aurora Deputy Mayor Casildo 'Casey' Cuevas, speaking during the ceremony, thanked Factor and all the food pantries for the work they do. He has a special place in his heart for this issue, he said, because he has personally worked to combat food insecurity in Aurora, which he called a growing problem. The donation of these vans 'really means a lot' because it means food will get to those who need it in the community, and he has personally seen the blessings that come from delivering food, he said. Aurora Deputy Chief of Staff Nicholas Richard-Thompson said during the ceremony that communities are seeing an increase in economic pressures like food insecurity because of what's happening at the federal level. So, he said collective action and cooperation are needed now more than ever, and he commended Factor for stepping up to partner with community organizations. During his own speech, Franco called Factor 'one of our most generous and benevolent local businesses' and said that, since locating here a few years back, have 'stepped up as a significant community partner contributing to many of our local not-for profits, helping them to provide for our residents.' rsmith@
Chicago Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Factor donates five refrigerated vans to Aurora-area food pantries
Factor, a packaged meal delivery service, recently donated five refrigerated vans to food pantries operating in and around Aurora. The five vans, which were filled with Factor meals also donated by the company, were officially handed over at a ceremony held Wednesday at the company's facility at 2372 W. Indian Trail in Aurora. Late last year, company officials pledged during a press conference in Aurora to donate 10 refrigerated vans to food pantries over the course of 2025. 'This generous donation from Factor is a game-changer for our local food banks and for families in need,' Aurora Ald. Carl Franco, 5th Ward, said at Wednesday's ceremony. 'This isn't just about transportation, it's about ensuring no one in our community goes hungry.' The vans were given to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, Loaves & Fishes Community Services and Kendall County Food Pantry. Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry Executive Director Annette Johnson told The Beacon-News after the ceremony that Factor is a great community partner to the pantry — not only because of the donation of the refrigerated truck, which was set to go deliver food the same afternoon it was donated, but also because the company donates 3,000 meals each week to the organization. 'There has never been a better community partner than Factor,' she said. A vehicle is a huge donation, Mike Keane, director of programs at the Northern Illinois Food Bank, said after the ceremony. The new refrigerated van will allow the organization to be versatile in getting meals to those in need, he said, in the most timely and fresh way possible. It is a core belief of Factor that everyone deserves access to healthy and nutritious meals, according to Dan Seidel, chief operating officer of HelloFresh North America, which is Factor's parent company. He said during Wednesday's ceremony that this core belief is behind Factor's Fuel for Change initiative, through which the company has donated more than 2 million meals to food pantries like those represented at the ceremony. Late last year, Factor celebrated a milestone of one million meals donated to the Aurora community during a similar ceremony. Although meaningful progress has been made in fighting food insecurity, the challenge is 'only deepening,' Seidel said. In Illinois, one in eight people face food insecurity, meaning they do not have reliable access to nutritious food needed for healthy lifestyles, he said. Tackling the problem requires a commitment from 'every corner of society,' Seidel said, and 'only through collaboration can we build a future where everyone has access to healthy, nourishing food.' Aurora Deputy Mayor Casildo 'Casey' Cuevas, speaking during the ceremony, thanked Factor and all the food pantries for the work they do. He has a special place in his heart for this issue, he said, because he has personally worked to combat food insecurity in Aurora, which he called a growing problem. The donation of these vans 'really means a lot' because it means food will get to those who need it in the community, and he has personally seen the blessings that come from delivering food, he said. Aurora Deputy Chief of Staff Nicholas Richard-Thompson said during the ceremony that communities are seeing an increase in economic pressures like food insecurity because of what's happening at the federal level. So, he said collective action and cooperation are needed now more than ever, and he commended Factor for stepping up to partner with community organizations. During his own speech, Franco called Factor 'one of our most generous and benevolent local businesses' and said that, since locating here a few years back, have 'stepped up as a significant community partner contributing to many of our local not-for profits, helping them to provide for our residents.'
Chicago Tribune
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Pallet to Palate's fun dining experience raises money for Food for Greater Elgin
Food for Greater Elgin's fundraiser, Pallet to Palate, is a foodie's dream, featuring such local cuisine as tamales from La Cosecha, mini medallion sliders from Elgin Public House and pizza from Danny's on Douglas. More importantly, however, it's also a vital fundraiser for the Elgin-based food pantry as it braces for potential cuts to federal programs. The event will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at the Schock Centre of Elgin's Heritage Ballroom, with vendors are providing examples of some of their signature items. 'Last year, I don't think everyone who came expected to leave completely full. There's a lot of food,' said Emily Tyler, director of development for Food for Greater Elgin. 'We tried to get more of a variety of food this year,' Tyler said. 'It might make it harder for attendees to stop (eating) because there are so many different types of food. … I think it will be a big hit.' Among the area restaurants and businesses participating this year are Duke's BBQ, Stewarts' Cheesecakes, Mama Lee's Popcorn, El Patio, Café Roma and Las Gorditas De Don Angel. Portillo's will be on hand to serve their signature chocolate cake. 'We haven't had them on board before so it's a fun addition,' Tyler said. La Cosecha also is a new vendor this year. 'Our staff loves their tamales. We are excited they're going to be there,' Tyler said. Valeria Cervantes and her family own La Cosecha. She wasn't very familiar with the food pantry before signing on, other than 'they help people who are in need,' she said. Community support has made La Cosecha successful over the last five years and 'we are happy to return the support,' she said. They'll be serving mini pork, chicken and poblano cheese tamales. The event is a huge one for Food for Greater Elgin, Tyler said. Their other big fundraiser is Chip in for Hunger golf outing, which this year will be held Monday, Sept. 8. 'This probably generates the most income for us,' Tyler said. So far they have sold 300 tickets to Pallet to Palate, exceeding their $70,000 goal by about $5,000, Tyler said. Individual tickets are $75 and sponsorships range from $500 to $10,000. 'We are so grateful. We have just generous sponsors and supporters,' Tyler said. 'At any time, it's important to meet fundraising goals, but especially in this time when so much is uncertain. I think all nonprofits are in the same boat right now, kind of waiting to see what's coming down the pipeline.' President Donald Trump has directed his administration to make cuts throughout the federal government, including money going to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Funding has already been reduced for some programs that assist the Northern Illinois Food Bank, which supplies food to local pantries and allows them to buy groceries at discounted prices, Tyler said. 'The foods available to us through the Northern Illinois Food Bank have been reduced,' she said. 'Each month we get a list of foods that are not available. We've seen some really big cuts to essential items like milk and, of course, eggs.' As a result, food pantry officials must find other places to source those items, she said. 'A great thing that has happened for us is places like Meijer and Woodman's do fundraisers for us and give us gift cards for their stores,' Tyler said. 'We try really hard to budget very carefully and use our money efficiently and be good stewards of that.' The last time the federal government made cuts to SNAP, 'we saw a 150% increase in guests coming to shop with us,' she said. 'If we were to see a 150% increase in (requests for help) right now, we couldn't sustain it,' she said. 'We wouldn't be able to meet the need. Right now, we are feeding 150,000 people a year. A 150% increase on that is very significant.' For now, the agency is OK, Tyler said. 'We're doing our best. We're trying to make sure every person who comes to shop with us gets food,' Tyler said.
Chicago Tribune
24-04-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Kate Maehr and Julie Yurko: We need to strengthen — not cut — SNAP benefits
Veronica Cox had a plan, and receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to help feed her three kids wasn't part of it. She got a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and worked in security for 10 years before debilitating pain in her hips — caused by a health issue she's likely had since birth — forced her to stop working. While the 37-year-old mom prays her disability application is finally accepted, she searches for a job that doesn't require sitting or standing for long periods. In the meantime, Cox relies on child support and SNAP benefits to keep food on the table for her children ages 15, 9 and 7. 'Honestly, I don't know what I'd do,' Cox said of a potential cut in benefits. 'SNAP plays a huge role in me being able to feed my children. (A reduction) would be a true struggle. It would cause damage.' We hear stories like this often from guests at the hundreds of food pantries and other programs in our partner networks throughout Cook County and northern Illinois. For neighbors such as Cox dealing with a health issue, older adults with fixed incomes and ever-increasing expenses, working individuals struggling to make ends meet and countless others, SNAP is a vital resource. All of us at the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Northern Illinois Food Bank are deeply concerned about the impact of potential cuts to SNAP that will likely result from the budget resolution being discussed in Congress, which includes a potential $1.1 trillion in reduction to SNAP and Medicaid. A vote to determine the specifics of these cuts is expected this month. Guests who visit our partner pantries share our concerns, expressing anxiety about what they will do if their SNAP benefit is reduced. With elevated food prices and a high cost of living, many are already struggling to keep food on the table throughout the month. As our nation's front-line defense against hunger, SNAP currently supports nearly 2 million families in Illinois. The program is essential for the 1 in 4 families with children in the Chicago metro area experiencing food insecurity. By assisting neighbors in affording groceries, SNAP helps lift families out of poverty, improves long-term educational and economic outcomes, and reduces risks of diet-related diseases. In addition to harming our neighbors, cuts to SNAP would be detrimental to the emergency food system, including food pantries and food banks such as ours. To put it in perspective, for every meal we provide through a partner pantry, SNAP provides nine. Without this large-scale support, food insecurity would skyrocket. Neighbors have told us that if SNAP is cut, they will visit our pantries more often. While we are grateful they see our network as a trusted resource, we know we wouldn't be equipped to handle the spike in demand. Our partner network has already experienced an exponential rise in demand in recent years. The Greater Chicago Food Depository served a record 2.4 million household visits from neighbors in 2024, surpassing demand at the height of the pandemic. Last year, the Northern Illinois Food Bank served an average of 570,000 neighbors every month, an increase of 16% over 2023 service and double the pre-pandemic level. It is sobering to think about the potential increase if SNAP benefits are reduced. Recipients aren't the only ones who benefit from SNAP. Every $1 spent on SNAP creates $1.50 in economic opportunity for local retailers, food producers and farmers. In 2024 alone, SNAP brought more than $4 billion to Illinois. A reduction in benefits would negatively impact local businesses right as our country is facing a potential recession. During the pandemic, expanded SNAP benefits lifted millions of families out of poverty. Given its proven efficacy and the rise in food needs, if anything we should expand the program, not reduce it. Make no mistake, our neighbors and our community will experience great financial hardship if SNAP is reduced. We implore Congress to protect this essential program, for the health and well-being of our neighbors and the good of us all.
Chicago Tribune
29-01-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Food market program for those in need seen as ‘heartbeat' of North Aurora church
With food scarcity a problem for those in need in the Fox Valley, the Rev. Matt Decola at Highpoint Church in North Aurora said the church's food market program has been a true blessing. 'This ministry has been the heartbeat of our church I would say,' Decola, 37, said. 'We want to meet real needs in our community, and believe that our church is called to that. We realize that we can't meet every need, but we can meet some, and God's been gracious over the last four to five years to allow us to meet many needs through our food market.' Since before the pandemic, the church at 2301 Tanner Road in North Aurora has been offering participants in the program assistance in getting the food they need. These days, volunteers stock shelves at the church's food market during the week or meet anyone who comes in on food distribution day and helps them shop. 'This food market was born out of the pandemic when people were really struggling and food was scarce, and we had some opportunities and some relationships to kind of launch this, and it's kind of continued from there,' Decola said. Chris Nadr, operations manager, is credited with putting the food program together and said it began in 2019 and was originally set up where 'people who needed groceries would come in but if they needed other services or assistance, we had resources for them.' 'When COVID hit, we transitioned to a drive-thru and people would drive up to the door and receive a bag of groceries and that was it,' Nadr said. 'There were no requirements, no registration – just receive a bag of food.' In October, the program morphed again after the overseer of the care program for all of the Highpoint Church campuses including Naperville and Wheaton 'started negotiations with the Northern Illinois Food Bank in the summer of last year.' Currently, a food pantry inside the church is opened on Monday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 'In the middle of October last year, we actually opened where we were in partnership with the food bank and our guests could actually come in and shop, so we did a whole transition,' Nadr said. 'Guests now get to come in – they have choices and through a grant, we were able to get a commercial freezer and a commercial fridge and offer those kinds of items instead of just your basic dry goods staples.' Guests are now required to register and receive a card with a client number on it, Nadr said, and 'that's what they use at any of the food banks registered with the Northern Illinois Food Bank.' Guests shop with a small cart in the pantry and when they are done choosing their items, tables are waiting and their groceries are packed by volunteers and then given to the guests. Supplies, Nadr said, 'come from our budget, from the Northern Illinois Food Bank, and some donations,' adding that because of those connections, the pantry also offers 'personal items like shampoo, soap, toothpaste and other things as well as items in the commercial freezer and refrigerator.' Inside the refrigerator, Nadr said one can find a revolving assortment of things such as butter, pickles, fresh apples, celery, radishes and more, with the freezer offering 'chicken nuggets, diced chicken, pepperoni, hamburger, pot pies, a few whole turkeys' and other items. Nancy Vega of Aurora visited the food market at the church on Monday and said she has been coming since the drive-thru option was offered. 'This is really helpful because of rent, groceries skyrocketing and so many things,' she said. 'People here are so nice. They give you a card, they check you through and when your number is called you go. They have a lot more options.' North Aurora Village President Mark Gaffino said he is proud that the church he has attended the past three years provides the local assistance. 'During COVID, it was huge,' Gaffino said. 'These are unsung heroes and I remember during COVID, people were parking all the way down the street. Back then, they'd bring stuff out to the car but now they have sort of a store. You don't have to be a member of the church or anything. People just show up.' Decola said the program has definitely improved over time. 'We've had to ask our community 'What do they need?' and I think you start by guessing,' he said. 'Over time, we've developed some relationships with the Northern Illinois Food Bank and Jewel and some other partnerships that have allowed us to provide a higher quality of food and produce and then also partnerships with other organizations whether they be shelters or places that provide subsidized housing. 'Often the people that are unsure with food have other insecurities,' Decola added. 'It's been the heartbeat of our church. We designate quite a large percentage of resources, and we're not just meeting needs but developing a lot of great relationships in our community.'
