Walmart grant boosts Northern Illinois Food Bank efforts
Northern Illinois Food Bank recently received a $110,000 contribution to purchase a new tractor and two lift gates for existing trailers. The grant, which was given to the nonprofit organization through the Walmart Foundation's State Giving Program, will allow the food bank to more efficiently transport food to the thousands of hungry people across northern Illinois who rely on the food bank and its partner food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other feeding programs to meet their nutritional needs.
“With a 7,000-square mile territory, good transportation is key to our success in getting nutritious food to those in need,” said Peter Schaefer, president and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank. “This generous grant from Walmart has allowed us to purchase a new tractor, and equip two of our existing trailers with lift gates that will increase safety and efficiency for our drivers as they deliver food to our more than 600 partner agencies.”
The grant was presented to Schaefer and Northern Illinois Food Bank Transportation Manager Tom Netcher during a ceremony at the Northern Illinois Food Bank. During the ceremony, Nick Infante of Walmart presented the check at the new Community Nutrition and Food Distribution Center in Geneva that the Northern Illinois Food Bank now calls home.
Northern Illinois Food Bank provides food to more than 60,000 people each week through a network of more than 600 agencies in 13 northern Illinois counties. Last year, the food bank distributed more than 34.8 million pounds of food, the equivalent of 29 million meals to people in need.
“The Walmart Foundation is very pleased to be supporting the Northern Illinois Food Bank, and are committed to helping those in need in the communities where we serve,” Infante said. “Through this grant, we are hopeful that children and families in the Chicago area will be able to gain access to food on a regular basis.”
The contribution to the Northern Illinois Food Bank was made possible through the Walmart Foundation's Illinois State Giving Program. Through this program, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better. The Walmart Foundation State Giving Program strives to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.
Last year in Illinois, Walmart, Sam's Club locations and the Walmart Foundation awarded more than $35.8 million in cash and in-kind donations to local organizations in the communities they serve in the state of Illinois.
To be considered for support, perspective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program's online grant application.
Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program's minimum eligibility criteria. Additional information about the program's funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.