1. In Illinois one in eight children struggle with hunger.
2. Communities with the highest rates of food insecurity face a higher risk for
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diabetes
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high blood pressure
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heart disease
3. 57% of pantry households have a member with high blood pressure
4. Many foods donated to local pantries have high sodium levels - consider donating low sodium canned vegetables, beans and meats
5. One in three households that rely on food pantries have a family member with diabetes.
Fill your local pantry. Ways you can help!
Do you work with a food pantry, or are you a community volunteer? Below you will find resources to help fill your pantry with nutritious foods throughout the year.
Pantry Staples Food Drive
Join your Food Pantry in nourishing your neighbors by donating shelf stable items from the five MyPlate food groups. These healthy shelf-stable items help households build a variety of nutritious meals and snacks!
Soup and Boxed Meals Food Drive
Join your Food Pantry in nourishing your neighbors by donating healthier shelf stable soups and boxed meals. Share this flier to help guide healthier options.
Fresh Food
Nourish your neighbors by donating from the fresh produce items listed
Protein Power Food Drive
Join your Food Pantry in nourishing your neighbors by donating protein packed shelf stable items from the five MyPlate food groups. Foods that are higher in protein help keep bellies feeling full and nourished!
Snack Attack! Food Drive
Join your Food Pantry in nourishing your neighbors by donating shelf stable snack items from the five MyPlate food groups. When neighbors have access to healthy snacks, they are able to feel full throughout the day and focus on important tasks!
Breakfast Food Drive
Join your Food Pantry in nourishing your neighbors by donating breakfast shelf stable items from the five MyPlate food groups. Eating a nutritious breakfast is important to help focus, boost productivity, and keep energy levels up.
It's Personal! Non-Food Drive
Join your Food Pantry in supporting your neighbors by donating personal care items that are in limited supply. Food insecure households often struggle to buy these important personal care and cleaning items.
Holiday Food Drive
Join your Food Pantry this holiday season in nourishing your neighbors by donating shelf stable items from the five MyPlate food groups. See the flier to see items that are especially needed this time of year to make sure everyone has a happy and healthy holiday season.
Food Drive - Fill-able flier for your county
What is Food Insecurity? Food insecurity is limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate food for all members of a household to live an active, healthy life. Share this flier to personalize the food insecurity in your community.