Learn more about Hunger Resource Network in Batavia

Members of Hunger Resource Network will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, at Calvary Episcopal Church, 222 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia. They will explain their program, how it fits in with the many organizations in the Fox Valley that are feeding the hungry, and how individuals can help.

The Hunger Resource Network links businesses, service agencies and volunteers throughout Chicago's 14 county areas to maximize the efficient distribution of food to those in need through the Web site www.hungerresourcenetwork.org, which was developed by Waubonsee Community College Web design students.

HRN uses technology to: determine food needs in the local areas; establish a network that links business donors, recipient agencies and volunteers; and maintain a Web site/database as a way for recipient agencies to communicate their needs or businesses and individuals to communicate their available donations.

It is also used to develop and perfect a model that can be utilized and implemented in other communities across the United States.

The Hunger Resource Network first met in April 2009 in St. Giles Episcopal Church in Northbrook. Founders knew St. Giles had been collecting 15 tons of food a year. If a small church could do that, Dan Jariabka, a member of St Giles and a founding member of HRN, wanted to know what a much larger group could do.

From May to December 2009, Hunger Resource Network gathered 50 tons of food and other essentials for more than 100 social services, churches and government assistance offices, in addition to setting up the organization.

One indication of how much organizations such as HRN are needed in today's economy was the speed with which the Internal Revenue Service granted nonprofit status to Hunger Resource Network - six days. This process normally takes six to eight months.

For details, visit hungerresourcenetwork.org or contact Wynette Edwards at the Hunger Resource Network, (630) 715-1434 or e-mail wynette@hungerresource.org.