Illinois treasurer launches hunger relief grants for volunteer-run food pantries

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has announced a new grant program aimed at helping volunteer-run organizations combat hunger and food insecurity across the state.

The Charitable Trust Hunger Relief Grant Program will provide grants of up to $5,000 to food pantries, soup kitchens and similar nonprofit organizations that do not have full-time employees. Applications are being accepted through July 31.

According to the treasurer’s office, the program was created to support smaller organizations facing increased demand for food assistance services. Officials cited recent federal funding reductions to food assistance programs and continued affordability challenges as factors contributing to increased reliance on local food pantries.

“Hunger and food insecurity is a hidden epidemic afflicting children who cannot ask for help and adults who find it difficult to ask for help as they juggle two or more jobs,” Frerichs said in a statement.

The grant program is open to volunteer-driven organizations that previously did not qualify for the Illinois Treasurer’s Charitable Trust Program because they lacked a full-time employee.

Data from Feeding America indicates that one in eight Illinois residents and one in six Illinois children face hunger. The organization also reports that 38% of Illinois households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits have children.

Since 2017, the Illinois Treasurer’s Charitable Trust Program has awarded more than $5.2 million to 209 nonprofit organizations. Funding for the grants comes from nonprofit incorporation filing fees rather than personal or property taxes.

Eligible organizations can apply for the Hunger Relief Grant Program through July 31.