Pantry Gets First-of-Its-Kind State Funding

Aurora Food Pantry Receives State Funding

AURORA, IL – For the first time in Aurora Food Pantry’s 41-year history, the nonprofit has been written into the next state budget and will receive $350,000 in funding. Grant funds were graciously secured by Senator Linda Holmes and Representative Stephanie Kifowit. The funding will be used for much-need capital projects to ensure the safe transportation and storage of food. “We are incredibly grateful to both Leader Holmes and Representative Kifowit for championing the services at the Aurora Food Pantry,” said Shannon Cameron, Executive Director. “I’m so grateful that we live in a state that prioritizes the basic needs of its citizens, like access to nourishing food.”

The Aurora Food Pantry will be welcoming Representative Kifowit and Senator Holmes to their facility at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 16, 2022, for a tour of the facility and the opportunity to help with distribution. All were welcome to attend this public event.

The Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry will use the funding to purchase a vehicle for the pantry’s free mobile programs, including Kids’ Pop-Up Pantries, Women’s Empowerment Mobile Pantries, and Senior Mobile Pantries. The funding will also provide an air conditioning unit for the warehouse where food is stored, a new refrigerated truck so the pantry can continue its 40+ food recovery pick-ups a week, and other capital and technological improvements.

In 2021, The Aurora Food Pantry fed over 100,000 individuals and gave out over 3.5 million pounds of food. Due to rising grocery costs, the Aurora Food Pantry has seen a 30% increase in families in need of some assistance. “The ramifications of the pandemic and current inflation have had a massive impact in our community,” stated Leader Holmes. “It is imperative that the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry operates effectively to serve the ever-increasing need.  I am proud to champion their cause and to play a role in creating programs that break down access barriers to nourishing foods for families that are truly struggling. Ensuring that our neighbors don’t go without one of life’s basic needs, food, is a top priority.”

“More and more people are turning to local food pantries to feed their families. Almost every day at the pantry we are signing up 20 new families to use our services. The end is not in sight, but these state funds will ensure our pantry will always be there for families in need,” stated Cameron. “I am proud of the work the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry does for our community to ensure that everyone, especially our Veterans, has access to life-saving nourishment, “stated Representative Kifowit. “Rising gas and grocery costs are causing families to struggle, and I can remember when my children were small what that struggle to stretch every penny feels like.  Supporting non-profits, such as the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, helps everyday families and individuals, including our Veterans, get through this difficult time.”