SNAPSHOT OF HUNGER
September is Hunger Action Month in Cook County and nationwide. The Greater Chicago Food Depository and other members of the Feeding America network of food banks offer a number of ways for everyone to get involved in the fight against hunger--from food drives to volunteer sessions to special events.
The Food Depository is teaming up with the other seven members of Feeding Illinois for the Snapshot of Hunger campaign through Sunday, Sept. 27.
The campaign asks donors, supporters, volunteers and elected officials to take a photo of $28 worth of groceries and e-mail it to snapshot@feedingillinois.org. The photo helps to illustrate the plight so many Illinois families face right now -- $28 per person to spend on food and household items each week. Photos can be viewed at www.feedingillinois.org.
In the past year, 35 percent more people are turning to member pantries of the Greater Chicago Food Depository and approximately 30 percent more are seeking help statewide. The Food Depository distributed a record 58 million pounds of food in the past fiscal year.
The $28 figure derives from a real scenario many Illinois families face. A family may bring home (after taxes) approximately $1,696 per month. After paying for housing, utilities, and transportation, this family has approximately $110 left to purchase food for an entire week. This comes out to $28/person per week or $4/person per day.
Many of the people we serve are employed -- 39 percent of households include a working adult. Many also are newly unemployed or have seen their wages or hours cut back.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Fill a cart with $28 worth of grocery items before Sept. 27.
Take a photo of your cart. Feel free to get creative!
Share your photo with Feeding Illinois -- we'll get it in our online slide show. You can share your photo by emailing it to snapshot@feedingillinois.org. When emailing, please include your First Name, City in the subject section.
ABOUT THE GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY
The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago's food bank, is a nonprofit food distribution and training center providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community. The Food Depository distributes donated and purchased food through a network of 600 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters to 500,000 adults and children in Cook County every year. Last year, the Food Depository distributed 58 million pounds of nonperishable food and fresh produce, dairy products and meat, the equivalent of 119,000 meals every day. The Food Depository's programs and services for children, older adults and the unemployed and underemployed address the root causes of hunger. For more information, log onto www.chicagosfoodbank.org or call 773-247-FOOD.
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