Food Rescue

With one in six children in northern Illinois facing hunger, being able to provide the families we serve with nutritious and fresh foods makes a real difference in the health of our community.  When we can do so and keep perfectly good food out of landfills, it’s a win-win!

Studies indicate nearly half the food grown and produced in the U.S. goes to waste each year. Our partnership with nearly a dozen local retailers is placing significant amounts of good, nutritious food on kitchen tables instead of in landfills. Last year our Food Rescue volunteers collected donations amounting to 400,000 pounds of fresh produce, frozen meat, and quality canned and dry goods, along with paper and personal hygiene products, that we then distributed to our hungry neighbors.

These donations from local businesses and wholesalers allow HCS Family Services to operate efficiently while providing those in need with healthy choices; fresh produce, meat, dairy and nutritiously-dense foods make up more than 50 percent of the food we distribute.

Together, we’re able to provide our neighbors in need with nutritious foods that provide the foundation for health and well-being.