DuPage County Earmarks $4.8M To Help Organizations Battle Food Insecurity

DUPAGE COUNTY — On Tuesday, the DuPage County Board voted to set aside $4.8 million in surplus funds to support food insecurity programs in the county.

These include Loaves & Fishes, the Northern Illinois Food Bank and the Conservation Foundation.

"We know more families in DuPage County are struggling to put food on the table. I’m proud the Board worked with me to support a comprehensive plan to ensure fresh food gets to pantries that support the families who need it most," County Board Chair Deborah Conroy said in a statement.

Of the funds, $2.5 million will be given to Loaves & Fishes to support the pantry as they expand their hub in Aurora from 30,000 square feet to 62,000 square feet to increase their capacity and client reach.

Two million is allotted to Northern Illinois Food Bank to aid its efforts in buying and distributing food throughout DuPage County.

The remaining $322,000 will be given to the Conservation Foundation's Farm to Pantry Program. The funds will be used to build a new greenhouse and buy a refrigerated truck.

Greg Schwarze, Chairman of the DuPage's County Human Services Committee, said, "National data shows that food insecurity in our county has increased by 64 percent in recent years. Recent reductions in federal benefits put added strain on our pantries. This is a worthwhile investment that will positively impact our county."