NORTHERN ILLINOIS FOOD BANK HELPS MILITARY FAMILIES BY PROVIDING INDEPENDENCE DAY COOK OUT PACKS FOR HOLIDAY

Pete Schaefer, president and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank, (right) distributes Independence Day Cook Out Packs for service men and women at the Naval Station Great Lakes USO Center.  Joining Schaefer is Ellen McElligott with the USO of Illinois (second from right) who helped to coordinate this event.  Food items for the pack were donated by Northern Illinois Food Bank, Vienna Beef and Alpha Baking Company, Inc. 

“There are many military families and single servicemen and servicewomen with access to grills throughout the base, and these Cook Out Packs give them the perfect opportunity to help celebrate America’s Independence Day,” said McElligott.    

“While just a small token of our appreciation,” said Schaefer, “we hope this small gesture enables these families to add to their celebration of America’s holiday.  We thank them for their service.” 

Servicemen, servicewomen and employees of Great Lakes Naval Station have been volunteering with Northern Illinois Food Bank for three years. This year alone, more than 220 different Navy volunteers from the base have provided more than 850 hours of time helping ensure hungry neighbors have the food they need. 

For more information on the Northern Illinois Food Bank, visit www.SolveHungerToday.org.