Northern Illinois Food Bank and Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital join forces to fight food insecurity and support health.
Recently, the Northern Illinois Food Bank celebrated a new food pantry at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. This pantry, named Wellness Food Connection, aims to help those who struggle with food access, especially patients dealing with chronic health issues.
Many studies show that people facing food insecurity are more likely to develop health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. The Wellness Food Connection is part of Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Build Healthy Communities program. This initiative partners with several healthcare providers to help those with chronic diseases find nutritious food, encouraging healthier lifestyles.
As Eric Rhodes, the hospital president, put it, “Access to good food is crucial for overall wellness.” The hospital’s commitment extends beyond its walls, focusing on the well-being of patients even after they leave.
During the opening ceremony, community leaders highlighted how this pantry will offer free, healthy food to those in need. By bringing food assistance into the healthcare system, the program empowers people to manage their health effectively and enhances their quality of life.
Julie Yurko, president of Northern Illinois Food Bank, stressed that this initiative is about more than just food; it aims to improve the health of families facing food insecurity. “By providing fresh groceries and connecting individuals to vital services, we strengthen our communities,” she said.
The event featured various speakers who discussed the need to address hunger and health disparities in the community. Food insecurity and health challenges often go hand in hand, making programs like this vital.
For details about the Wellness Food Connection food pantry and other initiatives, you can visit SolveHungerToday.org.
About Northern Illinois Food Bank
Northern Illinois Food Bank has worked for over 40 years to combat hunger and empower the community. As a nonprofit organization, it serves 13 counties, supplying around 250,000 meals daily. Collaborating with local grocers, farmers, and generous donors, they distribute food through over 900 partner organizations, including food pantries and shelters. Their distribution centers are located in Geneva, Lake Forest, Rockford, and Joliet.
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