Abbott Donates $250,000 to Combat Weekend Hunger in Schools

URGENT UPDATE: Abbott Laboratories has just announced a significant donation of $250,000 to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, aimed at providing essential food support to children in need. This funding will ensure that approximately 225,000 meals are distributed through the BackPack Program over the next three months, addressing a critical gap in nutrition for families during weekends.

The BackPack Program, which is vital for many low-income families in Lake County, supplies enough food for nine to 11 meals per backpack. This initiative is crucial, especially as food insecurity in the region has surged 32% since 2019, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the situation. “Childhood hunger has never been greater in the Chicago area,” said Kathryn McKenzie, Vice President of the Abbott Fund.

On October 9, Abbott employees volunteered at the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Lake Forest, helping to assemble and pack food bags destined for 190 schools across nine northern Illinois counties, including Waukegan, Gurnee, and Zion. The program directly supports nearly 300 children each week, with school social workers determining which families receive the backpacks.

Why This Matters NOW: As Abbott’s donation covers not just food costs but also transportation and operational expenses, every contribution is critical. Jen Lamplough, Chief Impact Officer at the Northern Illinois Food Bank, emphasized the need for such private funding, stating, “The school programs are mostly publicly funded, but this helps tide families over on the weekends and into the next week.”

The contents of the backpacks are carefully curated to promote healthy meals, including items like pasta, canned proteins, and snacks. “We seek meal companionship,” said Jessica Willis, the Child Nutrition Program Manager at the food bank. “If there’s beans, we add rice; if there’s noodles, we ensure there’s sauce.”

This initiative not only combats hunger but also significantly impacts students’ academic performance. Brooke Hagstrom, Communications Manager for Woodland Community School District 50, noted that 42% of their students come from low-income families, and the program promotes stronger attendance and engagement in the classroom. “It supports their overall wellbeing,” she stated.

As food prices continue to rise and federal assistance wanes, the need for community support has become increasingly urgent. Abbott’s ongoing commitment includes over 375 volunteer hours logged annually by its employees, reinforcing their dedication to fighting childhood hunger.

The BackPack Program serves as a lifeline for families, ensuring that students return to school ready to learn and succeed. As this initiative grows, the collaboration between Abbott and the Northern Illinois Food Bank highlights the power of community action in addressing pressing social issues.

Stay tuned for more updates on how community efforts are evolving to meet the needs of those facing food insecurity.