Beyond Hunger / Oak Park River Forest Food

Beyond Hunger works to end Hunger through distributing food to those in immediate need while working towards more permanent food security through community action and policy change. In fiscal year 2023, Beyond Hunger distributed over 1.2 million pounds of food or the equivalent of 1 million meals. Food pantry and home delivery programs both expanded to meet increased need. The pop-up food pantry "despensa" continued to serve an immigrant population with culturally familiar foods. Including repeat visits, Beyond Hunger's food distribution programs benefitted over 50,000 people. Partnering with schools in oak park during the summer provided an additional 6500 meals to local children. Over the course of the year, volunteers donated work hours totaling an equivalent of nearly 11 full-time employees.