Abbott Donates $250,000 to Combat Child Hunger in Illinois

UPDATE: Abbott has just announced a significant $250,000 donation to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, aiming to combat escalating child hunger in the region. This urgent funding will support the BackPack Program, which provides essential weekend meals to children from low-income families in Lake County and surrounding areas.

Officials confirm that the BackPack Program supplies enough food for nine to eleven meals per family, ensuring that children do not go hungry over the weekend. The initiative has become increasingly critical, particularly as food insecurity in the area has surged by 32% since 2019, exacerbated by the end of federal relief programs post-COVID.

On October 9, Abbott employees volunteered their time to assemble food bags at the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Lake Forest. Kathryn McKenzie, vice president of the Abbott Fund, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting community health: “Good nutrition is essential for good health. We want to help people live healthy lives.”

The BackPack Program, primarily funded through private donations, serves 190 schools across nine counties, including Waukegan, Gurnee, and Zion, benefiting nearly 300 children each week. Jessica Willis, the child nutrition program manager, noted that school social workers determine which students receive the backpacks based on need.

With the $250,000 donation from Abbott, approximately 225,000 meals will be provided over the next three months, covering food costs and transportation expenses. McKenzie highlighted the critical need, stating, “Childhood hunger has never been greater in the Chicago area.”

The effort comes as many school districts provide free meals to low-income students, but the weekends often leave families struggling. Abbott’s extensive history of support for the food bank spans over two decades, with employees logging around 375 volunteer hours annually.

Brooke Hagstrom, communications manager for Woodland Community School District 50 in Gurnee, reported that about 42% of their students are low-income. She noted that the program not only ensures students have nutritious food but also improves their engagement and success in the classroom, fostering a supportive partnership with families.

As inflation continues to affect food prices, the need for programs like this is more urgent than ever. Lamplough mentioned that without continued support, the situation could worsen, impacting an additional 100,000 people in the region.

The BackPack Program exemplifies how private donations can make a direct impact on community health and well-being. With Abbott’s latest contribution, families can look forward to receiving essential nutrition, bridging the gap for many during challenging times.

Stay tuned for further updates on this vital initiative and its impact on local families.