Families in need line up early for distribution of 1,000 holiday meals in Elgin

Two organizations and nearly 70 volunteers combined their efforts to distribute 1,000 holiday meals to families in need Saturday morning at Elgin Community College as just one component of their service to thousands more through the end of the year.

Northern Illinois Food Bank and Food For Greater Elgin worked together for the first time to rise to the challenge of both the recent shutdown of the federal government and the related impact on SNAP benefits.

Though the coordinated distribution in the college’s parking lot was scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m., cars were already lining up at 5 a.m. and capacity for the day had been reached by 8:30 a.m.

“This shows the vulnerability of our families,” said Northern Illinois Food Bank CEO Julie Yurko. “It’s heartbreaking. In America, I wish the story was different.”

She added that because of the government shutdown, the amount of food families will receive from the organization’s efforts had been doubled. Ultimately, 50,000 boxes of food will be distributed to those in need of it through the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

Andres Diez, CEO of Food For Greater Elgin, said his organization has welcomed the partnership despite being the largest food bank in Kane County itself. But the hard times the year has brought has been met with the increased giving of both individuals and companies, he added.

“We have definitely seen an increase in financial support,” Diez said. “Clearly, people are outraged. There’s good in humanity!”

The many people in need who attended the event expressed their gratitude to the volunteers. While many preferred their names not be published, Georginna Brown of Elgin said the event was just the latest example of Food For Greater Elgin providing needed support this year.

Brown said her battle with a rare form of blood cancer also has complicated her finances, but Saturday’s distribution will help her to have a traditional family Thanksgiving.

“Without this, we wouldn’t be able to do what we normally do with our family and our grandkids,” she said.

The distribution was handled almost like a race track pit stop with several vehicles popping their trunks simultaneously to have them filled by volunteers bearing a turkey or turkey breast, mashed potatoes, beans, corn, dessert and more.

“For us, this is all about efficiency,” Diez said. “This is the most efficient way to get food to our neighbors.”

But because of either personal travel issues or concerns about recent immigration crackdowns, such a large public event is not the only way neighbors in need are being served, he added.

“We know people are afraid to leave their homes,” Diez said. “We’re trying to find every possible way to get food to people.”

While SNAP benefits average only about $300 per household per month, living without that for weeks has had a major impact, Diez added.

Megan Popp, marketing director for Northern Illinois Food Bank, said food banks were never intended to work without the additional support of SNAP but have been able to meet needs through the increased personal generosity Diez spoke of.

Those willing to give or in need of help themselves can find information on the Northern Illinois Food Bank’s website SolveHungerToday.org, she said.