CHICAGO,
24
February
2024
|
13:51 PM
America/Chicago

Inspired by employee donations, Northwestern Medicine makes its largest gift to area food banks

Surprise announcement made at employee volunteer events

Team NM at Northern Illinois Food Bank
Team NM at Northern Illinois Food Bank

CHICAGO - Inspired by the generosity of its employees, Northwestern Medicine is donating $200,000 to area food banks. The Greater Chicago Food Depository and Northern Illinois Food Bank will each receive $100,000. Health system leaders thanked staff and surprised them with the total gift amount during Team NM employee volunteer events at four food bank locations on Saturday, Feb. 24.

Northwestern Medicine leadership was inspired to dedicate more funds to the food banks after more than 5,000 employees opted to donate the grocery gift certificates they would have received as part of their holiday gifts. Thanks to those donations, employees raised more than $76,000. Leadership made the decision to increase the overall donation to further support employees’ dedication to the food banks.

“Our employees made it clear that they’re committed to addressing food insecurity in the communities we serve, and it’s in their honor that we’re increasing Northwestern Medicine’s donation to provide access to nutritious food where it’s most needed,” said Ann Hall, vice president of administration at Northwestern Medicine.

Employees who donated their grocery certificates were invited to volunteer at the food banks to see how their donations are used. Health system leaders surprised them with the announcement during their volunteer shifts at four food bank locations:

Through donations of funds and volunteer time, Northwestern Medicine has provided the Northern Illinois Food Bank $5.6 million worth of groceries to people in need since 2015.

NMH-20240224-MPP-1127-2“We are grateful for Northwestern Medicine’s generous donation and longtime partnership," said Julie Yurko, president and CEO at Northern Illinois Food Bank. "Our network of 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, and direct distribution programs provide 82 million meals a year and serve over 500,000 neighbors a month. Good nutrition is crucial to physical and mental health. These funds will help us continue our mission of providing neighbors and their families access to the nutritious food they need to thrive."

Since 2020, Northwestern Medicine volunteers have packed over 10,000 pounds of food at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. 

“This generous donation by Northwestern Medicine is an investment in health and hope for our neighbors,” said Jill Zimmerman, chief philanthropy officer for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. “At the Food Depository, we believe that food is a basic human right. We are grateful that so many people at Northwestern Medicine share that belief and commitment to our neighbors. Together, we are greater. Together, we can end hunger.”

Northwestern Medicine has long-standing roots in community service and volunteering, supporting local and national organizations that are committed to building stronger, healthier communities.

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine’s commitment to building better communities, visit Northwestern Medicine Community Impact | Northwestern Medicine.

View B-ROLL NM donates to Chicago area food banks
B-ROLL NM donates to Chicago area food banks
View SOTs Tom McAfee, president, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
SOTs Tom McAfee, president, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
View SOTs Jill Zimmerman, chief philanthropy officer, Greater Chicago Food Depository
SOTs Jill Zimmerman, chief philanthropy officer, Greater Chicago Food Depository
  • Team NM at Northern Illinois Food Bank
    Nearly 100 Northwestern Medicine staff members volunteered at the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva, Ill.
  • Kevin Poorten and Julie Yurko
    Kevin P. Poorten, senior vice president, Northwestern Medicine, presents a $100,000 check to Julie Yurko, president and CEO at Northern Illinois Food Bank.
  • Team NM volunteers at Northern Illinois Food Bank
    Team NM volunteers receive instructions at the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva, Ill.
  • Team NM volunteer pack food at Northern Illinois Food Bank
    Team NM volunteers pack food at the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva, Ill..
  • Team NM Northern Illinois Food Bank Joliet 2
    Team NM volunteers pack food at Northern Illinois Food Bank in Joliet.
  • Team NM Volunteers at Northern Illinois Food Bank Joliet
    Team NM volunteers at Northern Illinois Food Bank in Joliet.
  • Team NM Greater Chicago Food Depository 2
    Team NM volunteers pack food at the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
  • Team NM Greater Chicago Food Depository 3
    Team NM volunteers pack food at the Greater Chicago Food Depository
  • Team NM Greater Chicago Food Depository 1
    Team NM volunteers pack food at the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
  • Team NM Northern Illinois Food Bank Geneva
    Team NM volunteers pack food at the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva. Ill.
  • Team NM presents check to Greater Chicago Food Depository
    More than 70 Team NM volunteers helped present a $100,000 check to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
  • Team NM Northern Illinois Food Bank Lake Forest 3
    Team NM at Northern Illinois Food Bank in Lake Forest, Ill.
  • Team NM Northern Illinois Food Bank Lake Forest 2
    Team NM at Northern Illinois Food Bank in Lake Forest, Ill.
  • Team NM Northern Illinois Food Bank Lake Forest
    Team NM at Northern Illinois Food Bank in Lake Forest.

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