Northwestern Medicine donates $200,000 to local food banks

Inspired by their employees, Northwestern Medicine recently donated $100,000 each to the Northern Illinois Food Bank and the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

The contributions came after more than 5,000 Northwestern Medicine employees decided to donate grocery gift certificates they had received as part of their holiday gifts to the food banks.

The employee donation of over $76,000 prompted the health care group’s leadership to add to the contribution.

“Our employees made it clear that they’re committed to addressing food insecurity in the communities we serve, and it’s in their honor that we’re increasing Northwestern Medicine’s donation to provide access to nutritious food where it’s most needed,” Ann Hall, vice president of administration at Northwestern Medicine, said in a news release.

Employees who donated their grocery certificates were invited to volunteer at the food banks on Feb. 24 to see how their donations are used. Health system leaders surprised them with the announcement during their volunteer shifts at the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Northern Illinois Food Bank locations in Geneva, Joliet and Lake Forest.

Through donations of funds and volunteer time, Northwestern Medicine has provided the NIFB $5.6 million worth of groceries for people in need since 2015.

“We are grateful for Northwestern Medicine’s generous donation and longtime partnership,” Julie Yurko, NIFB president and CEO, said in the release. “Our network of 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, and direct distribution programs provide 82 million meals a year and serve over 500,000 neighbors a month. Good nutrition is crucial to physical and mental health. These funds will help us continue our mission of providing neighbors and their families access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.”