Feed and empower vulnerable neighbors this holiday.
For too many, the holidays are an extra expense that feel like another failure to face.
Guests at our pantry are worried about keeping their little ones fed and warm, much less taking on the extra expenses of the holiday season.
Will you help us Serve Joy this Season?
A generous friend of FFGE has donated a dreamy, four-night stay at the Swan’s Nest, a gorgeous, four-bedroom home on Lake Michigan for you to win. A chance at a vacation and putting food in people’s bellies? You can’t beat that.
Win a stay at the Swan’s Nest
Enter for a chance to win a 4-night stay at the Swan's Nest in Union Pier, Michigan—just half a block from McKinley Street Beach on Lake Michigan!
The Swan’s Nest offers 4 bedrooms (one king, one queen, two full beds, and a crib), 2.5 newly renovated bathrooms, a screened-in porch with living and dining spaces, a deck with a hot tub and gas grill, plus a backyard featuring a fire pit, fountain, and kiddie swing set. Enjoy a front yard Bocce Ball court, all on a stunning one-acre lot. Decorated by a renowned antique dealer, this home is full of special, thoughtful touches.
Only 1.5 hours from Chicago, but a world away from city life, Union Pier is nestled in the heart of Harbor Country. This charming area includes New Buffalo, Lakeside, Sawyer, Harbert, and more—all small, picturesque towns along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. There are fishing opportunities, spas, wineries, and more to explore.
The Swan's Nest is not available for rent. This is an exclusive, one-of-a-kind opportunity!
Winner must use the 4-night stay by October 31, 2025; owner will work with the winner to find dates that work for all.
The Swan’s Nest is only 1.5 hours from Chicago, but a world away from city life.
The Swan’s Nest is just half a block away from McKinley Street Beach.
Here’s how you can serve joy this holiday season.
Donate
Just $40 can feed a whole family for a week, so purchase a prize ticket and give generously!
Volunteer
Stock shelves or assist guests with shopping—we always (ALWAYS) need extra hands.
Share
Your story is powerful. Tell your friends about the need and ask them to join in the fight against food insecurity.
We don’t think anyone should go to bed hungry.
Everyone is welcome at the pantry
Serving over 200,000 people annually
96% of every dollar goes directly to feed our guests.
Serving up joy, stability, and empowerment.
Power
By affording guests 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.
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.