Northern Illinois Food Bank's 11th annual 'A Taste That Matters' raises over $375,000 for hunger relief

Northern Illinois Food Bank is pleased to announce the 11th annual "A Taste That Matters" fundraiser and culinary event, presented by Jewel-Osco, raised more than $375,000.

Northern Illinois Food Bank provides 80 million meals a year to neighbors throughout 13 counties throughout suburban and rural Northern Illinois. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Food Bank's network of 900 food pantries, soup kitchens and feeding programs.

The event was held June 22, at Drury Lane Theatre and Events, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Over 500 attendees 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, Northern Illinois Food Bank; Mike Withers, president of Jewel-Osco; and Tom Hong, retail relations specialist, Northern Illinois Food Bank.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Northern Illinois Food Bank. A special video about the Food Bank's history was featured during the event.

Premier sponsors of the event were Jewel-Osco, Chilay Corporation, Scooter Bay Sales and Marketing, PepsiCo and Perishable Sales, Inc.

"We are grateful for the generous support of our event sponsors, tasting partners and guests who stand with us in the fight against hunger," said Maeven Sipes, chief philanthropy officer, Northern Illinois Food Bank. "With the rising cost of food, inflation and the ending of the government emergency SNAP benefits, we are seeing more neighbors reaching out for food assistance. Together we can make sure neighbors get the fresh and nutritious food they need to thrive with dignity, equity, and convenience."

For information about donating, volunteering, upcoming events or getting groceries, visit www.SolveHungerToday.org.

For the past 40 years, Northern Illinois Food Bank has been dedicated to solving hunger and empowering neighbors. Our 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, we serve our neighbors in 13 counties with dignity, equity and convenience, providing 250,000 meals a day. We 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 us evaluate, repack, and distribute food. We also proudly partner with more than 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and youth and senior feeding programs to provide nutritious food and resources. Our 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 us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.