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NAPERVILLE, IL – September 30, 2022 – In honor of Hunger Action Month this September, Nicor Gas has made two commitments totaling $450,000 over five years to the Northern Illinois Food Bank and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Through these partnerships, the company expects to support more than 28,000 families across its service territory with access to healthy food options to fuel their lives.

“At Nicor Gas, we are committed to ensuring our friends, family and neighbors in the communities we serve have the food they need to give them energy every day,” said Meena Beyers, vice president of Business and Community Development at Nicor Gas. “We know that nearly 11 percent of residents across our service territory are living in poverty. Through our partnerships with the Northern Illinois Food Bank and the Greater Chicago Food Depository, we are making investments to strengthen our local neighborhoods and create thriving places to live and work.”

With support from Nicor Gas, the two nonprofits will be able to provide more holiday meal boxes and mobile food pantry programming to address meal gaps across its footprint.

“More than 400,000 people in Northern Illinois receive support through our member agencies and programs every month,” said Julie Yurko, president and CEO of the Northern Illinois Food Bank. “With Nicor Gas’ donation, we can ensure that thousands of our neighbors experiencing food insecurity have better access to the nutritious meals they need over the next five years.”

Feeding America’s latest research shows that more than 1.2 million individuals in Illinois are currently food insecure and that food insecurity still exists in every county and congressional district in the United States.

“Thanks to the support of organizations like Nicor Gas, we are able to support more than 700 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other programs across Cook County,” said Kate Maehr, CEO of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. “With their donation and the support of employee volunteers throughout the year, we are able to serve more families, children, older adults and veterans every day.”

In addition to support of the Northern Illinois Food Bank and the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Nicor Gas’ Energy Efficiency Program regularly hosts free farmers markets to ensure local residents have access to fresh produce, as well as resources regarding energy saving tips and energy assistance programming to help pay their monthly bills and meet their most basic needs.

To learn more about Nicor Gas’ commitment to the communities it serves, visit http://www.NicorGas.com/CharitableGiving.