Rep. Manley Emphasizes Local Food Assistance Resources, Donation Opportunities

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. — With the holiday season quickly approaching, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is highlighting food assistance offered by Northern Illinois Food Bank, as well as opportunities to donate to neighbors in need.

“As we deal with the impact of inflation and the rising cost of groceries, food insecurity becomes an even more pressing issue than before. By providing food assistance to more than 400,000 people each month, Northern Illinois Food Bank plays a pivotal role in Will County,” Manley said. “Everyone deserves access to healthy food and no one should hesitate to seek food assistance. I highly encourage those in need to use Northern Illinois Food Bank resources to feed themselves and their families.”

Northern Illinois Food Bank partners with more than 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and youth and senior feeding programs to provide nutritious food and resources to 13 counties in northern Illinois. The food bank also offers online grocery ordering through My Pantry Express, allowing neighbors in need to pick up groceries through drive-thru and pop-up locations. Prior to the pandemic, 80 percent of the food distributed by Northern Illinois Food Bank was donated. Now, only 63 percent is donated, raising costs for the food bank.

“I am proud to represent a community that takes care of its own and treats their neighbors with kindness, dignity and respect. As we near the holiday season, I invite everyone who is able to pay it forward and support Northern Illinois Food Bank as they help our neighbors in need,” Manley said. “Even if you’re not in a position to support financially, you can still help by volunteering your time, just as my office has done for many years. Together we can make a difference by feeding the hungry in our community.”

To receive food assistance through the My Pantry Express program, please visit https://www.mypantryexpress.org/. For more information about Northern Illinois Food Bank, including ways to donate and volunteer opportunities, please visit https://solvehungertoday.org/.