1,500 families in need receive food at Grayslake pop-up pantry

While the country kept a sharp eye on the presidential election, the Northern Illinois Food Bank and College of Lake County kept their focus on feeding the needy.

A drive-through food market Wednesday, worked by nearly 50 volunteers, was held at the college's Grayslake campus.

Groceries for up to 1,500 families were available.

Officials said since May, the items handed out at pop-ups consist of Farmers to Families food boxes provided through the USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Families receive boxes of fresh produce, meat and dairy.

The markets at CLC will continue from 2 to 5 p.m. every other Tuesday through December starting Nov. 17. Dates and times can change, and officials suggest visiting the market calendar at solvehungertoday.org/get-help/distributions.

Food bank communications manager Elizabeth Gartman said the food bank has seen the need "skyrocket" across 13 counties in northern Illinois because of COVID-19. The latest projections from Feeding America show the general food insecurity rate in its service area rose from 7.1% pre-COVID to 11.6%, she said.

Northern Illinois Food Bank is in need of monetary donations and volunteer support. For every $1 donated, the organization can provide $8 in groceries. Volunteer shifts are available during the week and weekends through the holidays for those age 8 and up. Visit solvehungertoday.org.