Abbott Donates $250,000 to Combat Childhood Hunger NOW

UPDATE: Abbott has just announced a transformational donation of $250,000 to the Northern Illinois Food Bank as part of the urgent effort to combat childhood hunger in Lake County. This financial boost will provide approximately 225,000 meals for needy families over the next three months, targeting the growing crisis of food insecurity among children.

Across Lake County, many school districts are struggling to meet the nutritional needs of low-income students. While some offer free breakfast and lunch programs, the weekends pose a significant challenge. The Northern Illinois Food Bank, with Abbott’s support, is stepping in with the BackPack Program, which supplies food for nine to eleven meals per family, ensuring children do not go hungry during the crucial weekend period.

Jen Lamplough, the Food Bank’s Chief Impact Officer, stated, “The BackPack Program is privately funded and helps tide families over from Friday to Monday.” This initiative directly impacts 300 children across 190 schools in nine northern Illinois counties, including Waukegan, Gurnee, and North Chicago.

On October 9, Kathryn McKenzie, Vice President of the Abbott Fund, participated in assembling food bags at the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Lake Forest. She emphasized the importance of nutrition for children’s health, saying, “We want to help people live healthy lives.” This partnership has flourished over two decades, and the urgent need for assistance has never been greater, especially since the cessation of federal relief during the COVID pandemic.

Food insecurity in the region has surged by 32% since 2019, with Lamplough noting that an additional 100,000 people have been affected as food prices continue to rise. “The need has never been greater in the Chicago area,” she stressed.

The BackPack Program operates by distributing bags filled with shelf-stable food, including pasta, canned proteins, fruits, and vegetables, to participating schools. Jessica Willis, the Child Nutrition Program Manager, highlighted the program’s design to promote healthy meal-making. “We are trying to bridge the gap of the weekend,” she added.

In schools like Woodland Community School District 50 in Gurnee, where approximately 42% of students are low-income, social workers help identify families in need. The program not only fills stomachs but also enhances student engagement and attendance, fostering a supportive learning environment.

McKenzie mentioned that Abbott employees volunteer over 375 hours annually to support the food bank’s operations, showcasing a robust commitment to community welfare. This initiative is more than just a meal; it represents a critical lifeline for families facing unprecedented challenges.

As the BackPack Program prepares to ship food to local schools, the urgency for community support remains high. The partnership between Abbott and the Northern Illinois Food Bank exemplifies how corporate responsibility can make a profound difference in local communities.

What’s next? As the program rolls out, all eyes will be on its impact in schools and families, with the hope of alleviating hunger and promoting healthier lifestyles for children in need.