Food Insecurity
February 22, 2024
When people don’t have enough to eat and they don’t know where their next meal will come from, that is what’s known as food insecurity. In the United States, over 44 million people, including 13 million children, experience food insecurity each year.
According to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks and food pantries, millions of people in America are just one job loss, missed paycheck, or medical emergency away from hunger. But hunger doesn't affect everyone equally - some groups like children, seniors, and people of color face hunger at much higher rates.
There are 16 food pantries located throughout DuPage County dedicated to helping people affected by food insecurity.
- As the name implies, Downers Grove Area Fish, Inc. is located right here in town. This all volunteer, not-for-profit has operated a food pantry in Downers Grove since 1969.
- The West Suburban Community Pantry (WSCP) located in nearby Woodridge, offers food and resources to empower people to improve their quality of life. In 2023 WSCP served 110,000 individuals.
If you or someone you know is food insecure, the Village's Social Services Referrals program can help connect you with resources for food, home delivered meals for seniors and financial assistance.
Contact Heather today at 630.434.6894 or hlippe@downers.us for referrals to the local experts that can help.