Abbott Fund Grants $250,000 to Fight Childhood Hunger in Illinois

Abbott Fund has announced a significant grant to the Northern Illinois Food Bank aimed at tackling childhood hunger in the region. The philanthropic foundation of Abbott, a global healthcare company, is donating $250,000 to support the food bank’s BackPack Program. This initiative provides weekend meals to children experiencing food insecurity across Northern Illinois, where one in nine children currently faces this critical issue. The rate of food insecurity has risen by 32% since 2019, highlighting the urgent need for assistance.

Support for the BackPack Program

The BackPack Program addresses the nutritional needs of children by distributing backpacks filled with nutritious, shelf-stable food every Friday or before school holidays. Each backpack is designed to sustain the child and up to three family members throughout the weekend. “No child should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” stated Melissa Brotz, president of Abbott Fund and senior vice president of Global Marketing and External Affairs at Abbott. She emphasized the foundational role of nutrition in health and encouraged community involvement through volunteering, donations, or simply raising awareness.

Beyond financial aid, Abbott employees are actively participating in a packing event at the Northern Illinois Food Bank’s facility in Lake Forest. This hands-on approach allows employees to assist in the preparation of backpacks for distribution, reinforcing Abbott’s commitment to the community. For nearly two decades, Abbott Fund has partnered with the Northern Illinois Food Bank to enhance food access for children, families, and local communities.

Impact of the Grant

This latest grant will directly benefit approximately 2,000 children, equating to 225,000 meals for kids and their families throughout the school year. Participation in the BackPack Program relies on school staff to identify children in need based on observed signs of chronic hunger or awareness of family circumstances.

“This program is a vital resource for children who may otherwise lack adequate nutrition when school is not in session,” said Julie Yurko, president and CEO of the Northern Illinois Food Bank. She acknowledged the importance of partnerships, like that with Abbott, in sustaining their efforts. The generous grant enables the food bank to continue providing essential nutrition to thousands of students and their families, helping them thrive during challenging times.

For more information about the BackPack Program and ways to support childhood nutrition initiatives, visit solvehungertoday.org/child-nutrition-programs.