ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – The Northern Illinois Food Bank celebrates the grand opening of its center and neighbor’s market Wednesday, April 30, at 1397 Sandy Hollow Road.
This new space is available for people in need in the community, also called neighbors.
Sean O‘Sullivan is a father of three. He became a neighbor with the food bank after he lost his job two years ago. He says even if it was not easy at first, he decided to reach out for his family’s good.
“You don’t need to be embarrassed or feel like you failed. You haven’t failed. You’re having a challenge in life. Get the help you need,” O’Sullivan said. “Don’t delay. You need food. People need food. Don’t go hungry.”
Roughly 17,000 people receive food from the Northern Illinois Food Bank, but according to CEO and President Julie Yurko, this number is expected to continue growing.
“We needed more space to welcome in more neighbors here in Rockford, to make sure that they have the food they need to thrive,” Yurko said.
In addition to the increasing need for food in the community, Yurko said Northern Illinois Food Bank is expecting a 20% decrease in its budget starting in July, creating an urgent need for donations and volunteers.
“We are also looking at ways that we can spread our dollar even further because we want to commit to distributing as much food as we possibly can.”
The Rockford location is open Tuesday 1:00 – 6:00 p.m., and Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Online orders can be picked up Saturday mornings, but food can be stored for pick-up in the lockers from Friday morning to Tuesday morning.
Applications for the program require participants to self-attest their income, although there is no maximum salary limit to get groceries through the Food Bank.
More information can be found on the Food Bank website.
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