Northern Illinois Food Bank announces initiatives for Hunger Action Month
This September, Northern Illinois Food Bank, the leading hunger relief organization in the area, will join communities nationwide in recognizing Hunger Action Month with campaigns to raise awareness about hunger and inspire people to take action in the fight against hunger.
Its mission is to provide nutritious food and resources to neighbors with dignity, equity, and convenience through strong partnerships and innovation.
Last year, the food bank provided over 93 million meals annually in collaboration with a network of more than 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, and feeding programs, and served an average of 572,000 neighbors each month across 13 counties in suburban and rural Northern Illinois.
“Hunger Action Month is our chance to come together as a community, whether by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness,” said Julie Yurko, president and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank. “Every action makes a difference. Together, we can ensure our neighbors have the food they need to thrive.”
Five ways to fight hunger during Hunger Action Month 2025
1. Kickoff to End Hunger Challenge (Aug. 27-Sept. 8) – Just in time for football season, Northern Illinois Food Bank is teaming up with Second Harvest Heartland (Minnesota) in a friendly competition to tackle hunger. From Aug. 27 through Sept. 8, fans can support their home team food bank by donating online. Every $1 donated helps provide $8 worth of groceries for local families.
Northern Illinois Food Bank: SolveHungerToday.org/kickoff
Second Harvest Heartland: 2harvest.org/kickoff
2. Woody’s Apple Orchard (Sept. 1-30) – Enjoy fall flavors while giving back! For each dozen of donuts sold in September, Woody’s Apple Orchard in Plano will donate $1 to Northern Illinois Food Bank to support hunger relief programs. Enjoy the doughnuts and stay for the fun!
3. Volunteer – Sign up for volunteer shifts at one of the Food Bank’s four centers: Joliet, Geneva, Lake Forest, or Rockford, or help at a food distribution. Volunteer - Northern Illinois Food Bank.
4. “Go Orange” on Hunger Action Day – On Sept. 9, join the nationwide movement to “Go Orange,” the color of hunger awareness. Light up your community, wear orange, and share your photos on social media using #HAM2025, #NeighborsEmpowered, and #HungerActionMonth. Follow the Food Bank on Facebook at facebook.com/northernilfoodbank.
5. Be an Advocate - Host a Virtual Food Drive – Engage friends, family, or colleagues and raise awareness about hunger in your community, ways to get involved by creating a personalized fundraising page. Get started at solvehungertoday.org.
Northern Illinois Food Bank is dedicated to solving hunger and is a proud member of the Feeding America network. To learn more or get involved, visit solvehungertoday.org.