Be the Sunshine in Winter
Give warmth, light, and nourishment this season.
Winter brings darkness, cold, and extra expenses.
Instead of feeling joyful and triumphant, guests at our pantry are worried about getting food on the table and keeping the heat on. There’s simply no capacity to take on all the extras that come with the holiday season.
Will you be their sunshine in winter?
Give warmth, light, and nourishment.
Power
By creating a normal shopping experience, FFGE gives back a small amount of control to our food-insecure shoppers.
Promise
Free of the worry and financial burden of food insecurity, FFGE shoppers have a chance to enjoy the holiday season.
Peace
Our guests leave with a cartful of groceries and the security of knowing they won’t have to worry about food.
Win a taste of sunshine this winter
Want to be transported to the sunny French Riviera without boarding a plane? Get a taste of sunshine this winter: We’re giving away a dinner for six at Niche in Geneva, where the French wines and big bourbons brighten every bite
Niche’s chefs bring warmth and light to every plate, blending modern fusion and timeless classics into a radiant dining experience. The winner of many prestigious awards for fine dining and outstanding beverage options, Niche has been at the top of the culinary scene in the Fox Valley for over 20 years. Each dish glows with vibrant flavor and impeccable presentation—a reminder that even in winter, there’s sunshine to savor.
Give for your chance to win a four-course meal for six, complete with wine or whiskey pairings—a $600 value!
Prize winner must make a reservation so Niche can exceed every expectation!
P.S. Like wine? Chocolate? Nuts? You can also try your luck at winning a basket of the FFGE board's favorite wine and snacks.
We don’t think anyone should go to bed hungry.
Everyone is welcome at the pantry
Serving over 145,000 people annually
96% of every dollar goes directly to feed our guests.
Here’s how you can
be the sunshine:
Step One: Donate
With just $40 we can feed a family for an entire week.
Step Two: Volunteer
Help stock shelves or assist guests with their shopping—we always need extra hands.
Step Three: Give to Win
Donate for a chance to win delicious wines or gourmet cheeses; all proceeds go directly to the pantry.
Donate $20/month: Feed a senior for a week.
Donate $40/month: Feed a family for a week.
Donate $80/month: Feed a family for two weeks.
Give light all year round when you sign up for recurring donations.
Food is the most basic human need.
At Food for Greater Elgin, we’re working to provide the most fundamental aspect of what it is to be human: food. Our mission is to provide everyone—regardless of race, nationality, age, religion, immigration status, language, or ability—with access to fresh, quality groceries. We strive to create a welcoming environment for all our guests, a place free of judgment, fear, or stigma, where anyone in need can get a little extra help.
FFGE is continually working to remove barriers to food security. Lost your SNAP benefits? Come shop in our pantry. Our goal is to provide hope and empowerment with as much compassion as we can.
Our dedicated FFGE board, staff, and leadership team are committed to doing the most good with your donations. For every dollar we receive, 96 cents goes directly to food costs. You can give with confidence knowing we’ll work with our partners to squeeze the most purchasing power out of every penny.
And if you have time, resources, or in-kind gifts to offer? We’ll take those, too.