Kane County food pantries serve 70000 monthly as food insecurity rises

The Kane County Agriculture Committee meeting on April 17, 2025, spotlighted critical initiatives aimed at addressing food insecurity and enhancing local agricultural practices. A key highlight was the announcement of a $1,000 grant awarded to a local program by the Illinois Vegetable Growers Association. This funding will support research at the old St. Charles Horticulture Research Station, focusing on zinnia cut flowers and muskmelon variety trials. The goal is to attract beneficial insects to combat pests that threaten crops, particularly in a region known for its pumpkin and cucurbit production.

Committee member Michelle DeRage emphasized the importance of local partnerships, mentioning Glory Gardens, which donates produce to food pantries in Kane County. She expressed a desire to increase exposure for this nonprofit, highlighting the community's reliance on such initiatives.

Esther, a representative from the local food bank network, provided sobering statistics, revealing that approximately 70,000 individuals are served monthly through a network of 25 food pantries in Kane County. She noted a potential uptick in demand due to inflation and reductions in SNAP benefits, projecting an increase of 10% to 20% in food assistance needs.

The meeting also touched on the impact of school closures during summer months on food security, with discussions around outreach efforts to encourage families to utilize food pantries and apply for the summer EBT program.

As Kane County continues to grapple with food insecurity, these discussions and initiatives underscore the community's commitment to supporting its most vulnerable residents while fostering sustainable agricultural practices. The committee plans to keep the momentum going with further outreach and research efforts in the coming months.