Jewel-Osco commits over $1M in 2020 to Northern IL Food Bank

Jewel-Osco, Northern Illinois Food Bank’s top retail donor, along with its customers, have committed more than $1 million to the Food Bank since April in support of the organization’s COVID-19 response efforts and its other feeding programs.

In the fiscal year that ended June 30, the Food Bank distributed more than 80 million meals—a 16 percent increase from the prior year—with 30 million of those meals being distributed during its COVID-19 response from March-June. The retailer, which donated nearly 10 million meals to the Food Bank throughout the fiscal year, began collecting register donations at the outset of the pandemic to support local neighbors in need. Thanks to customers’ generosity the campaign exceeded all expectations and will have a profound impact at this critical time.

“Jewel-Osco’s unwavering commitment to our mission and to providing for our neighbors during this challenging time, even while their own business operations have faced disruption, speaks volumes to the company culture and its dedication to serving its local communities,” said Julie Yurko, President and CEO, Northern Illinois Food Bank. “The outpouring of generosity from Jewel customers coincided with an unprecedented surge in demand for our services, has—and will continue to—allow us and our network of member agencies to meet the increased demand.”

Since the pandemic began, the Food Bank has distributed 7-9 million meals per month, and anticipates this level to continue.

“Jewel-Osco has a long-standing commitment to hunger relief and working with partners to distribute food to those most in need. We are grateful for the generosity of our customers, whose donations to our Nourishing Neighbors Community Relief campaign will help Northern Illinois Food Bank fight hunger during these difficult times,” said Mike Withers, President of Jewel-Osco.

During Hunger Action Month this September, Jewel Osco’s annual Nourishing Neighbors register ask campaign will also support the Food Bank’s BackPack Program and other local programs that improve access to breakfast for children. The retailer is also the presenting sponsor for the Food Bank’s 9th annual ‘A Taste That Matters’ gala, which will be held virtually this year on September 24 via Facebook Live. During the holiday season, the company supports the Food Bank’s Holiday Meal Box program through volunteering, providing the turkeys included in each box, and helping food pantries raise funds to participate in the program.

Year-round, Jewel-Osco is a critical partner in the Food Bank’s Retail Recovery program, which connects the Food Bank and its food pantries to surplus food available in stores, thus feeding neighbors while also reducing food waste. Beyond program support, Anthony Suggs, VP of Marketing and Merchandising at Jewel-Osco, was recently elected to a four-year term on the Food Bank’s Board of Directors, effective July 1.