Northern Illinois Food Bank’s 13th annual A Taste That Matters raises over $430,000 for hunger relief

Northern Illinois Food Bank’s 13th annual A Taste That Matters fundraiser and culinary event, presented by Jewel-Osco, raised more than $430,000 which translates to over $3.4 million worth of groceries.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Food Bank’s network of 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, senior sites, and feeding programs in 13 counties throughout suburban and rural Northern Illinois.

The signature event was held on May 21 at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace. More than 600 guests enjoyed an extensive silent auction, open bar, and food tastings from dozens of local chefs and vendors.

The evening included remarks from Julie Yurko, president and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank; Ed Kennedy, senior vice president of merchandising and marketing at Jewel-Osco; and Tom Hong, retail relations specialist at Northern Illinois Food Bank.

Premier event sponsors included: Jewel-Osco, Chilay Corporation, Scooter Bay Sales and Marketing, and PepsiCo.

“Northern Illinois Food Bank serves 570,000 neighbors every month and distributes 90 million meals a year. Unfortunately, this number continues to climb,” said Colleen Ahearn, chief philanthropy officer. “We are doing everything we can to meet the demand but cannot solve hunger alone. We are deeply grateful to our presenting sponsor, Jewel-Osco, and the generous sponsors, tasting partners, and guests who made this event possible. Funds raised will help neighbors access the nutritious food they need to thrive.”

For more information about Northern Illinois Food Bank, visit www.SolveHungerToday.org.

For the past 40 years, Northern Illinois Food Bank has been dedicated to solving hunger and empowering neighbors. Its vision at Northern Illinois Food Bank is for everyone in Northern Illinois to have the food they need to thrive.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and proud member of Feeding America, they serve individuals in 13 counties with dignity, equity and convenience, providing 250,000 meals a day. They bring together manufacturers, local and corporate grocers, area farmers, corporations, foundations, and individuals who donate food and funding, and each week nearly 1,000 volunteers help evaluate, repack, and distribute food. The food bank also proudly partners with more than 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and youth and senior feeding programs to provide nutritious food and resources. Distribution centers are located in Geneva, Lake Forest, Rockford and Joliet. Find out how you can get help, volunteer, donate or get involved at SolveHungerToday.org, or follow the food bank on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.