Volunteers from the F.I.S.H Food Pantry in Carpentersville prepare for a food distribution at the Northern Illinois Food Bank warehouse in Geneva.

Northern Illinois Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, is the source of nutritious food, innovative feeding programs, and hope for neighbors in our 13-county service area. 

In spring 2020, the United Methodist Foundation of the Northern Illinois Conference challenged congregations to raise funds to support the three Food Banks serving the conference area. The match began as a $50,000 challenge, but because of generous support, it was increased to $75,000. In total, gifts of more than $150,000 were made to support feeding neighbors. 

One of the recipients was the Northern Illinois Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, which is a source of nutritious food, innovative feeding programs, and hope for neighbors in our 13-county service area. 

The generous support of the matching challenge meant F.I.S.H. Food Pantry in Carpentersville did not have to write a check to the Northern Illinois Food Bank for three months. This continued and enhanced the strong relationship between, F.I.S.H. Food Pantry and Barrington United Methodist Church that already existed. 

Barrington United Methodist has provided volunteer support, produce from their congregational garden and financial support to F.I.S.H. amongst their other congregation missions. 

We are sharing this video to highlight one story about the impact generosity and relationship can have in the community. If your congregation is interested in learning more about the Food Bank please reach out to me, Jenny Ackerman at jackerman@northernilfoodbank.org. In the meantime, please feel free to share this story with your congregation thanks for your tremendous generosity.