New Challenge Grant Program Dedicates $2M To Combat Food Insecurity In DuPage County

WHEATON, IL — The DuPage County Board recently opened applications for a new program dedicated to offering $2 million in grants to food pantries and similar organizations battling food insecurity in the county.

To be eligible for the Challenge grant program, organizations must, per to program requirements:

• Demonstrate measurable improvement to food insecurity infrastructure in the county and benefit multiple organizations and food pantries
• Request funding of at least $250,000, not to exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the project
• Secure total funding for their project by the end of 2027

"The Challenge grant will spark collaboration among government, non-profits and philanthropic partners as they create solutions which will truly transform the food procurement and distribution system. The County provides the initial commitment of funding, allowing groups to leverage additional funding from local partners, to complete these crucial community initiatives," DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy shared in a statement.

The deadline to apply for a Challenge grant is Dec. 18. Applicants who make it fast the first round of the selection process will be required to share a presentation with the DuPage County Human Services Committee in January.

Interested parties can click the link to learn more and to apply for a Challenge grant.