Abbott Donates $250,000 to Combat Childhood Hunger Now

UPDATE: Abbott has just announced a significant $250,000 donation to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, aimed at addressing the urgent issue of childhood hunger in Lake County. This funding allows the BackPack Program to deliver essential meals to nearly 300 children each week, ensuring they have access to nutritious food over the weekends.

The program, primarily supported by private donations, provides enough food for nine to 11 meals per family. As food insecurity in the region has surged by 32% since 2019, the need for such initiatives has never been more critical. Jen Lamplough, Chief Impact Officer at the food bank, stated, “The BackPack Program helps tide families over on the weekends and into the next week.”

On October 9, Abbott employees dedicated their time to assemble food bags at the food bank’s facility in Lake Forest. Kathryn McKenzie, Vice President of the Abbott Fund, emphasized the company’s commitment: “Good nutrition is essential for good health. We want to help people live healthy lives.”

The partnership between Abbott and the food bank has spanned over two decades, and the latest donation is expected to provide approximately 225,000 meals over the next three months. This funding not only covers food costs but also logistics, ensuring families receive necessary support during challenging times.

In Lake County, school districts such as Waukegan, Gurnee, and North Chicago participate in distributing the food. Jessica Willis, Child Nutrition Program Manager at the food bank, explained that social workers in these schools identify families in need, facilitating the distribution of the backpacks filled with meals.

“With inflation and rising food costs, the need has become acute,” said Lamplough. “An additional 100,000 people have been impacted since federal assistance programs ended.” The donated funding is crucial as families face increasing challenges in securing affordable nutrition.

The food included in the backpacks is carefully selected to ensure families receive balanced meals, including pasta, canned proteins, fruits, and vegetables. “We seek meal companionship,” Willis noted, ensuring that each bag has the components needed for complete meals.

Brooke Hagstrom, Communications Manager at Woodland Community School District 50, highlighted the importance of the program, stating that around 42% of students there are low-income. “The program promotes stronger student attendance, engagement, and success in the classroom,” Hagstrom said, underscoring the program’s holistic impact on children’s wellbeing.

As Abbott continues its volunteer efforts, logging approximately 375 hours annually, the community can expect significant contributions to alleviate childhood hunger. The ongoing collaboration between Abbott and the Northern Illinois Food Bank showcases a powerful commitment to fostering healthier futures for children in need.

Families in the area are encouraged to connect with local schools for more information on the BackPack Program as the need for support remains critical. With the effects of the pandemic still resonating in the community, initiatives like this are pivotal in bridging the gap for vulnerable families.

What’s Next: As Abbott’s funding kicks in, expect to see increased participation from local schools and a growing awareness of the BackPack Program’s impact on childhood nutrition and overall health. Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent issue and how community efforts are evolving to meet the needs of families in Lake County.