Souper Bowl of Caring will help food pantries

The day before the Super Bowl, Fox Valley area youth will participate in the Souper Bowl of Caring by collecting donations at local grocery stores in an annual nationwide event that empowers young people to help those in their community who go hungry due to lack of resources.

For the 10th year, Fox Valley United Way is partnering with local grocery stores and recruiting student volunteer and adult mentors who will greet shoppers Saturday, Feb. 6, and accept food and monetary donations.

Shoppers are asked to consider purchasing one of a suggested list of items and leaving it in the Souper Bowl of Caring bin near the store's exit. Or, shoppers may provide cash donations, knowing that each dollar donated gives the pantries the ability to purchase $8 worth of food from the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

These contributions provide significant support to the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry and the Kendall County Food Pantry. Last year, the event gathered 3,200 pounds of food and collected more than $7,800.

"This event is a win-win-win for the community," said Michael Meyer, Fox Valley United Way CEO. "Students get a chance to learn about hunger and how a few hours on a Saturday can make a huge difference for those in need. Food pantries receive much-needed assistance after the holidays. And our participating grocery stores join in our mission to 'live united' - reaching out a hand to folks in difficult financial circumstances."

Once again this year, local Jewel-Osco stores and Prisco's Family Market in Aurora will welcome these volunteers.

"The Souper Bowl of Caring is a premier event, and Jewel-Osco is excited once again to partner with the Fox Valley United Way," Jewel-Osco President Mike Withers said. "Hunger remains an important issue, and it's essential that we do all we can to help stock the shelves of our local pantries."

Fox Valley United Way volunteers will be at each participating food store from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to accept donations. This year's locations include Jewel-Osco stores on Eola Road and West Galena Boulevard in Aurora; Veterans Parkway in Yorkville; Orchard Road and Route 30 in Oswego; and North Route 47 in Sugar Grove; as well as Prisco's Family Market on Prairie Street in Aurora.

"Last year's event was our most successful ever - providing a total of more than $63,000 worth of food that was made available to the neediest in Kane and Kendall counties," Meyer said.

"This year, we know that we can make an even greater impact, as our volunteers are truly passionate about addressing poverty in their own community."