‘Souper Bowl’ fundraiser helps stock food pantries

For the hungry in the Fox Valley, the real “Souper Bowl” is Saturday, Feb. 4 — the day before the big football game.

That’s when Fox Valley United Way, local Jewel-Osco stores, Prisco’s Fine Foods in Aurora and the Montgomery Market Place in Montgomery join forces with shoppers and dozens of volunteers to replenish supplies at two local food pantries, Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry and the Kendall County Food Pantry in Yorkville.

“Economists may tell us the recession is over, but the number of people seeking food assistance continues to rise every month in our local area,” said Fox Valley United Way CEO Mike Meyer. “Donations to the food pantries decline after the holidays, and that limits their ability to serve hungry families.”

Fox Valley United Way and its supermarket partners are asking shoppers to “purchase a few extra” nonperishable items and hand them to United Way volunteers when they shop on Feb. 4.

“As a grocery retailer, providing hunger relief is a top priority for us,” said Jewel-Osco President Brian Huff. “Therefore, we are proud to partner with Fox Valley United Way on its Souper Bowl of Caring, which will benefit many in the community who are struggling with hunger and in need of food assistance.”

Fox Valley United Way volunteers will be at each participating food store from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to accept donations. Pastas, breakfast bars, peanut butter and jelly, canned or packaged soups, crackers and rice are among the nonperishable items the food pantries need.

There is a list of suggested items on the FVUW website, www.uwfoxvalley.org.

Cash donations also will be accepted at the stores or at the Fox Valley United Way website. Meyer said the food pantries can purchase $6 worth of food with every $1 donated.

Participating supermarkets include Jewel-Osco stores on Eola Road, West Galena Boulevard and North Lake Street in Aurora; Veterans Parkway in Yorkville; Orchard Road and Route 30 in Oswego; and North Route 47 in Sugar Grove. Montgomery Market Place is on Douglas Road in Montgomery. Prisco’s is on Prairie Street in Aurora.

Fox Valley United Way provides support for more than 50 social service agencies serving Aurora, Big Rock, Bristol, Hinckley, Little Rock, Millbrook, Montgomery, Mooseheart, North Aurora, Oswego, Plano, Platteville, Sandwich, Sugar Grove and Yorkville.