FY27–FY29 Strategic Plan
Strategic Foundation
Anchored by our mission
Our three initiatives are not separate from our mission—each one is a way FFGE helps stabilize lives.
Mission
To provide food security and access to community resources that stabilize lives.
Three strategic initiatives, one mission outcome:
Connect
Create and grow stronger pathways to partners, resources, and community support
Optimize
Be a scalable organization that can meet rising demand responsibly through its staff, volunteers, and resources
Nourish
Source and provide reliable, nutritious food while providing a guest-centric experience
Food for Greater Elgin, Inc. is an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a guest-choice food pantry in Elgin, Illinois.
Strategic Initiative 1 of 3
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES
Position FFGE as a community connector: partners, healthcare groups, schools, volunteers, businesses, and civic leaders who are working toward stronger outcomes.
Partnerships
Create and grow partnerships
Prioritize social services based on guests' needs
Support key services, including mental wellness, SNAP, Medicaid, etc.
Advocacy
Engage in the communities we serve through partnerships, networks
Elevate food insecurity awareness
Partner with food banks and other agencies
Awareness
Use website/social media to educate guests, donors and partners on inequality
Share nutrition impact and connection to health outcomes
Lift resource visibility
Outcomes Dashboard — FY27 Targets
Active partners
25
Volunteer survey
70% participation
Strategic Initiative 2 of 3
OPTIMIZe OUR ORGANIZATION
Build a sustainable, scalable operating model that supports growth, financial discipline, staff development, technology, and the guest experience.
Financial model
Development plan
Expenses to budget
Liquidity focus
Operational efficiency
Fundraising efficiency
People + Board
Staff development through conferences, education
Staff cross-training
Board engagement
Systems + Space
Open up space to accommodate more guests
Technology/data focus
SOPs documented
Warehouse strategic plan
Replace and add equipment
Outcomes Dashboard — FY27 Targets
Operating income increase
10%
Revenue increase
10%
Budget variance
≤ 10%
Space reconfiguration
Implement
Strategic Initiative 3 of 3
NOURISH OUR GUESTS
Put nutrition, access, dignity, and data at the center of the guest experience—with the right food in the right places.
Food Supply
Add sourcing options
NIFB partnership growth
Nutrition focus and education
Distribution
Continue to meet demand
School expansion with boxes and pop-ups
Support the unhoused population
Serve as ‘food bank’ for agency network
Data to identify food desserts
Experience
Better intake process with technology
Continue to receive positive feedback from guests
Clear communication
Outcomes Dashboard — FY27 Targets
People served
160,000
Pounds distributed
4.5 million
Fruits and vegetables %
40%
Guest satisfaction
Maintain
Help us end hunger.
Three ways you can support our mission to provide food security and access to community resources that stabilize lives
Donate
With just $40 we can feed a family for an entire week.
Volunteer
Help stock shelves or assist guests with their shopping—we always need extra hands.
Advocate
Spread the word about the need, and how every donation can transform lives.