Forward Together Healthy Food Drive

Many of us may not understand what it feels like to wake up and not know when our next meal will be. But hundreds of people in our community — our neighbors, their children — face hunger every day. In Illinois, 1 in 9 residents, including 1 in 6 children, struggle with hunger.

Rising food prices put additional strain on our community members who are food insecure and struggle with access to healthy food on a daily basis. They need our community’s help.

From July 25 through Aug. 8, NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health held a “Forward Together Healthy Food Drive” and partnered with local organizations to help address food insecurity and eliminate hunger in our community.

Transforming lives

Each of the nine hospitals across the NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health system collected non-perishable food donations that were distributed by our local community partner organizations. The Food Drive resulted in more than 3,600 lbs of food donations and more than $3,000 in additional monetary donations (that’s more than 12,000 meals!).

These organizations (listed below) continue to collect donations throughout the year. Read on to learn how to help get food in the hands of those who need it most in our community. View our tax donation receipt.

Loaves Fishes crop

Edward Hospital and Linden Oaks Behavioral Health have partnered with Loaves & Fishes in Aurora. They accept donations of healthy, commercially-packaged food items in cans or unbreakable containers, including:

  • Canned fruits (packed in water, no added sugars)
  • Canned vegetables (140 mg sodium or less)
  • 100% whole grains (rolled oats, barley, wild and brown rice)
  • Whole grain pasta (which lists whole grain as the first ingredient)
  • Whole grain cereal (which lists whole grain as the first ingredient)
  • Dried or canned beans and lentils (if canned, with 140 mg or less sodium)

Loaves & Fishes encourages donations of shelf-stable items that promote healthy nutrition. Learn more about Loaves & Fishes nutritional policy here. 

You can also make a monetary donation directly to Loaves & Fishes here.

EYFP crop

Elmhurst Hospital has partnered with Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry (EYFP) in Elmhurst. They accept donations of:

  • Diced tomatoes with chilies
  • Canned tuna or chicken
  • Dry black beans (1lb bag)
  • Honey Nut Cheerios
  • Shaped pasta (penne, rotini, etc.)
  • Raisins
  • Shampoo
  • Hand lotion
  • Kleenex 

You can also make a monetary donation directly to EYFP here, or mail a check to: EYFP, 1083 S York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126.

Donation opportunities at our other locations

For information about the Forward Together Healthy Food Drive at our other NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health locations, please visit:

Thank you for your contribution!

Additional resources 

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