Description

Empower Boone, the largest food bank serving our area, is facing a critical infrastructure issue. Their primary freezer unit, essential for safely storing and distributing food to local families, is failing. The door no longer seals properly, and the unit is struggling to maintain safe temperatures, putting it at risk of failing health department regulations in the near future. To address this and other necessary facility improvements, Empower Boone is launching a capital fundraising campaign. The immediate priority is replacing the freezer, with a total project cost of $42,697. While they have secured a $10,000 grant from the Northern Illinois Food Bank, there is still a significant funding gap. To meet grant requirements, the freezer must be purchased and installed by September 1, 2026. Our fundraising goal is $100,000 to replace the main freezer, repair or replace the warehouse garage door that was damaged in the recent storm, and make other necessary repairs to the facility so they can continue to serve our community.