Record-Breaking Community Support Fuels Township Food Pantry in 2025

Vernon Township is proud to highlight the impact its Food Pantry made in 2025, marked by record-breaking donations, strong community partnerships, and dedicated volunteers who helped to expand outreach and provided meaningful assistance to hundreds of local individuals and families facing food insecurity.

Throughout the year, 418 individual monetary donors supported the Food Pantry, helping to break a single-day donation record on November 7, 2025 – which surpassed the previous record set during the height of the 2020 pandemic. Through its partnership with the Northern Illinois Food Bank, more than 83,000 pounds of food was purchased, ensuring access to nutritious foods for residents in need. For every $1 donated, an estimated $8 to $10 worth of food is purchased by the Township from the Food Bank. Additionally, 75 vendors participated in the annual Garage Sale that benefited the Food Pantry, further strengthening community involvement.

Beyond food distribution, the Food Pantry supported local families through several impactful programs in 2025. Ninety-two backpacks filled with school supplies were provided to children of Food Pantry clients, so they were prepared for the start of the school year. The Pantry also distributed 150 Thanksgiving meals, supported 135 families through the Adopt-A-Family holiday gift program, and provided the same number of donated holiday meals in December.

“These numbers represent more than statistics - they reflect a community that continues to show up for people experiencing real need,” said Vernon Township Supervisor Tim Kobler. “We are deeply grateful to our donors, partners, and volunteers for making this impact possible.”

Donation drives included those from Stevenson High School’s annual Give-A-Thon, the Vernon Hills High School Theatre Department’s record-breaking “Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat” campaign, the National Letter Carriers “Stamp Out Hunger” initiative, and the Buffalo Grove Police Department’s “Stuff the Squad” food drive.

Additional contributions came from Sedgebrook, the Village of Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire Morning Rotary, Everleigh Vernon Hills, Culver’s Lincolnshire, Healthy Kids Running Series, Twin Groves Middle School, the BG Singers, Yard House Vernon Hills, KIT Outreach, Sysmex, the Vernon Area Public Library, and many others.

Each month, the Township Food Pantry supports more than 275 families, including children, seniors, and other individuals who need assistance in order to access food.

The Pantry’s success is also sustained by the dedication of 14 regular volunteers who commit their time weekly to ensure smooth operations and consistent service to the community.

For more information about the Vernon Township Food Pantry or to learn how to get involved, visit https://www.vernontownship.com/157/Food-Pantry.