Aurora prepares to feed 1,500 more families for Christmas

For the seventh time since the pandemic began, the state's second-largest city is hosting a citywide pop-up food pantry, just in time for Christmas.

The City of Aurora is collaborating with the Northern Illinois Food Bank to make sure more than 1,500 families have food on the table for the holidays.

Beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 22, the Holiday Hope Pop-Up Pantry will open its drive-thru, no-contact food distribution at Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive.

Each family in need will receive boxes of fresh meat, produce, and dairy. No registration is necessary, and no identification is needed.

One hundred City of Aurora staff members - including the mayor, council members, police officers, firefighters, public works, and city hall employees - are volunteering to distribute the food and greet visitors with holiday songs as they make their way through the line. The city is kicking off its new City Serve initiative that allows employees to serve the community during work time throughout the year.

"While the need for food has grown during this pandemic, so has the desire to serve and fill that need," said Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin. "Food insecurity has been an increasing challenge in Aurora for months. I am glad our staff members are stepping up to the plate to serve our community beyond traditional job roles. We will continue to do so into the new year."

Santa and Mrs. Claus - played by two city staffers - will also make a special appearance to bring more cheer to families and children visiting the Holiday Hope Food Distribution.

Aurora began to host monthly pop-up pantries in the spring and has nearly doubled the number of families served thanks to the Coronavirus Federal Assistance Program operated by the Northern Illinois Food.

Last month, the city fed 1,500 families for the Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway.