Amazon Fresh commits $100K to local food banks, 1 million meals nationwide

Amazon Fresh reinforced its commitment to hunger relief today with a $100,000 donation and a major national initiative to combat food insecurity during the summer months.

At an event held at an Amazon Fresh store in North Riverside, Amazon Fresh leadership presented $50,000 checks to both Northern Illinois Food Bank and Greater Chicago Food Depository. The presentation was part of the company’s broader “1 Million Meals” national pledge, aimed at helping families struggling to access food while children are out of school and missing regular meal programs.

“With summer in full swing, too many children are at risk of summer hunger,” said Sarah Glavin, Community Engagement Lead at Amazon, during the event. “We’re proud to partner with local Food Banks who are working tirelessly to support their communities.”

The need is especially urgent in Illinois. In Northern Illinois, more than 100,000 children are food insecure. In Cook County, 1 in 4 households with children are struggling with hunger, a burden that grows during summer break when free and reduced school meals are unavailable.

Amazon Fresh also announced from now until July 31, when shoppers purchase a “Help for Hunger” tote bag at their local Amazon Fresh store, the company will donate the equivalent of 10 meals to local Food Banks.

“We are especially grateful for our ongoing partnership with Amazon Fresh,” said Colleen Ahearn, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Northern Illinois Food Bank, in a statement. “Solving hunger is a community wide effort and we can’t do it alone. Amazon is truly making a direct and meaningful impact in the fight against hunger.”

The Amazon Fresh donation to Northern Illinois Food Bank and Greater Chicago Depository, and campaign launch underscore the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing the growing challenge of food insecurity, especially as families brace for higher grocery prices and fewer support programs during the summer months.

For more information about summer meals in Northern Illinois, visit SolveHungerToday.org or in the Chicago area at ChicagosFoodBank.org.

Photo and Photo Caption:

(L to R) Chris Fisher, Brand and Cause Marketing Manager, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Summer Zhao, Retail Donation Specialist, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Sarah Glavin, Community Engagement Lead, Amazon, Jaqi Panizzo, Director of Food Rescue, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Faith Stachnik, Retail Engagement Manager, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Deborah Clair, Director of Corporate Relations, Greater Chicago Food Depository.