From The Executive Desk
Gratitude From The CEO
When I speak to donors about Food for Greater Elgin, I inevitably say the same two things:
We do food (and we do it really well).
Our work is about so much more than food.
Those statements might feel contradictory, but they aren’t. We feed families, yes, and with unrivaled efficiency! Our shelves are increasingly full of the groceries shoppers want—92% of our guests say the quality is good, great, or excellent. Food for Greater Elgin has also grown into a small food bank, serving over 20 smaller pantries and soup kettles. We also partner with over 20 organizations that provide critical social services, from wellness and immigration law to employment and English lessons.
We’ve become a trusted partner to other food pantries and food banks, and we gladly share our insights with any organization that asks—including the many local social service agencies with which we collaborate.
We are a leader in our field and offer insights to any pantry or food bank that asks.
But food is just a vessel for stability.
When guests shop our pantry, they find autonomy. They are empowered with choice. More important, they find a safe haven. Food for Greater Elgin is a place where everyone is treated with dignity; 99% of our guests feel safe, welcomed, and respected when they walk through our doors. They find a reprieve from an over-stressed day, month, or year, and they leave with a full cart and a renewed spirit.
“I am grateful to everyone who makes it possible to give us food for free ... my most sincere thanks go to those who donate every can of food, every bag of rice and beans, everything—every piece of meat, every cereal, every milk. Thank you so much.”
In the months and years to come, we aim to augment every aspect of our pantry as we help our guests move out of food insecurity and into stable, vibrant lives.
I’m immensely proud of this pantry and the team behind it, and none of what we do is possible without you. Year after year, you volunteer, give, and support. When we feel discouraged, you show up. You, dear community, have yet to fail us. Because of you, we’re able to offer far more than groceries. We’re able to offer stability, dignity, and hope.
We are grateful. We are humbled. And we are so, so thankful.
Financially Solvent
We want to continue to be good stewards of the dollars we’ve been given.Meet Demand
The needs of our guests—and the number of them—continue to grow.Expand the Warehouse
We look forward to implementing our expansion as we strive to better serve the greater Elgin area.
Thank you for your continued support of the important work we do! You are feeding families and providing hope to so many in our community.
Yours in gratitude,
Andres