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. From 2009 through November 2025, five million lbs. of food have been distributed to those in need in Chicagoland.

On Poultry to Pantries Delivery Day, held twice each year in April and November 2025, a total of 160 tons of chicken was distributed to recipient agencies. This equates to 640,000 protein servings distributed to more than ninety food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens throughout the Chicagoland area.

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 (Spring and Fall 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.

“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

Andres Diaz is CEO of Food for Greater Elgin, serving 80% of our guests living in the Elgin Township area and also serving those from as far west as Rockford, to Waukegan, to Cook County and down to Aurora. The agency is the recipient of two pallets of frozen chicken each Poultry to Pantries Day.

Diaz explains “we are a ‘choice’ pantry and it is important that we give options to our guests; not all of course like or can eat pork or beef, and chicken is a great nutritional alternative. When a guest comes to our pantry, he/she will fill a grocery cart with over 100 lbs. of food.”

“Partnerships such as ours with Hunger Resource Network, are key to our ability to provide nutritious options for our guests, “Diaz emphasizes.

“As we all know, this is an unprecedented time for underserved communities; cuts to SNAP, to Medicaid, and high inflation are also having a devastating impact. On an annual basis, we serve individuals over 150,000 times and 30% are children under 18, and almost 20% are seniors over the age of 60.”

Learn More About Hunger Resource Network: Providing Protein to Those in Need

HRN is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to working in partnership with corporations 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.

HRN hosts “Poultry to Pantries Day” twice a year and a total of 320,000 pounds of frozen chicken is distributed to more than ninety organizations providing food to those in need throughout Chicagoland. HRN also provides additional resources to support seniors and students in need.

Established in 2009, HRN has dozens of businesses, foundations, local organizations, and individuals all known as “Hunger Heroes” who are benefactors.

For additional information, to volunteer or donate, contact HRN at 847-272-1700 visit: https://www.hungerresourcenetwork.org/.