Hunger Resource Network widens service footprint to provide needed protein to food insecure

Recognizing that protein is an essential building block of a healthy diet, Hunger Resource Network (HRN) in Northbrook goes beyond the distribution of calories by ensuring that families in need have access to high-quality sources of protein like chicken.

Through partnerships, volunteer efforts, and a steadfast mission, the HRN brings hope and health to the tables of those too often overlooked. Since 2009 more than 4.6 million lbs. (2,300 tons) of food has been distributed to Chicagoland neighbors in need.

In November 2024 and April 2025, on Poultry to Pantries Delivery Day, eighty tons of chicken was distributed twice to service agencies.

In total during 2024-25 to date (three distributions), HRN distributed a record amount of 440,000 lbs. of chicken (220 tons) to ninety food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens throughout the Chicagoland area.

Poultry to Pantries Delivery Day is held twice a year in Spring and Fall.

HRN Widens its Distribution Area to Help Alleviate Hunger

“I’m thrilled to announce that, thanks to our generous donors this year, we’ve secured funding to purchase 80,000 additional pounds of protein servings of chicken (Fall 2024 and Spring 2025).

“This has enabled us to provide food to nine new recipient agencies, providing 160,000 more meals to nearly ninety relief agencies for those facing hunger,” said Dan Jariabka, who founded HRN with his wife, Linda, in 2009 with the purpose of supporting food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters across the Chicago-area.

“With the total amount of chicken distributed in 2024-25 to date, 880,000 servings of nutritious chicken has been provided — for some recipients it will be the first time in quite a while they have received high quality protein,” Jariabka added.

Informative Voices: Increasing Needs in Food Challenged Communities

COOL Ministries, Waukegan, IL, is a new recipient agency among the ninety that receive frozen chicken for their clients during Poultry to Pantries Delivery Day. The food pantry serves all Northern Illinois.

Cindy Hinkemeyer, Pantry Manager, COOL Ministries, notes the increasing demand for meeting the needs of the food challenged communities they serve.

“The government cuts associated with federal funding has decreased the amount of food we received by 37% from the Northern IL Food Bank,” Hinkemeyer explained.

“We’re trying to feed more people on less food. We had 6,202 clients in April: forty-eight were homeless; forty-seven were American Veterans. We average about 6,800 people in need per month.

“HRN helped us tremendously in April by providing two, 2,000 lb. pallets of frozen chicken (needed protein). That amount serves 2,000 individuals (25% of our clients) the equivalent of two lbs. of chicken per or 4,000 meals-- which should be two meals per client,” Hinkemeyer said.

“When I found out HRN was available to us, it came exactly at the right time,” Hinkemeyer explained. “With the budget cuts we have faced, we are always looking for new resources to serve our clients in need.”

HRN Annual Hunger Hero Luncheon: “Protein is the building block of nutrition”

“In the greatest country in the world, no one should go hungry or without protein. As an athlete, I learned early on that protein is a primary building block of nutrition.

“When I've volunteered at food pantries, I learned that most food insecure people only have access to dry or canned proteins,” said Brent Novoselsky, former Chicago Bear and Minnesota Viking, and the keynote speaker at the recent HRN Hunger Hero Luncheon.

“That’s why I’m so excited to partner with Hunger Resource Network. HRN is providing fresh protein - chicken - to not only feed people, but to give them essential nutrients they need to grow and thrive."

About Hunger Resource Network

HRN is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to working in partnership with corporations, organizations and individuals who share a commitment to feed the hungry. Its mission is to aid in the alleviation of hunger by helping meet the needs of food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. Visit: https://www.hungerresourcenetwork.org

Become a “Hunger Hero”

For additional information, to volunteer or donate, contact HRN at 847-272-1700 or go to www.hungerresourcenetwork.org.