Aurora Food Pantry Receives State Funding For 1st Time

AURORA, IL — For the first time in its 41-year history, nonprofit Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry received state funding. With the newly secured $350,000, staff plan to invest in "much-needed" capital projects that help safely transport and store food, officials said.

The money will also fund purchasing a vehicle for the pantry's free mobile programs, an air conditioning unit for the warehouse where food is stored, and a new refrigerated truck for food recovery pick-ups, among other capital and technological improvements.

According to nonprofit executives, the grants were secured by Sen. Linda Holmes and Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, who joined staff for a tour of the Aurora food pantry and helped distribute food on the morning of June 16.

"We are incredibly grateful to both Leader Holmes and Representative Kifowit for championing the services at the Aurora Food Pantry," Executive Director Shannon Cameron said in a statement. "I'm so grateful that we live in a state that prioritizes the basic needs of its citizens, like access to nourishing food."

The funding seems to be coming at a good time for the pantry as officials said they've seen a 30 percent increase in families in need of some assistance due to the recent rise in grocery costs.

"The end is not in sight, but these state funds will ensure our pantry will always be there for families in need," Cameron said, adding that about 20 new families are signing up "almost every day" to use the pantry's services.

"The ramifications of the pandemic and current inflation have had a massive impact in our community," Holmes said in a statement. "It is imperative that the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry operates effectively to serve the ever-increasing need."

Kifowit echoed Holmes's sentiments and said she's "proud of the work" the pantry "does for our community."

"Rising gas and grocery costs are causing families to struggle, and I can remember when my children were small what that struggle to stretch every penny feels like," she said in a statement. "Supporting non-profits, such as the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, helps everyday families and individuals, including our Veterans, get through this difficult time."