Will County Health Department to Host Four Northern Illinois Food Bank Mobile Markets

The Will County Health Department will host four Northern Illinois Food Bank Mobile Markets between May and June. The Mobile Markets are scheduled from 10:00 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. on May 24, June 1, and June 30. May 8th was the first market.

The mobile market will be held in the parking lot of the Will County Health Department’s main office at 501 Ella Avenue in Joliet. Anyone needing food assistance is welcome to receive free groceries. No ID, documentation or pre-approval is needed. Distribution in on a first-come, first-served basis and while supplies last. The market will be a drive-through model where neighbors will not have to exit their vehicles to receive groceries.

“I’m pleased that we’re able to host the Northern Illinois Food Bank Mobile Markets in May and June,” said Will County Health Department Executive Director Elizabeth Bilotta. “Fighting food insecurity is important because it can directly affect both physical and mental health.”

According to Feeding America, there were over 38,000 food insecure people in Will County in 2021. Food insecurity in pregnant women results in a higher risk for birth complications and children being born underweight. Anxiety and depression can also be heightened by those facing food insecurities.

As part of the national Feeding America network, the Northern Illinois Food Bank serves over 13 different counties throughout Northern Illinois, providing 250,000 meals a day. For additional information on upcoming Northern Illinois Food Bank markets or to find out more information, visit: www.solvehungertoday.org/get-groceries-resources.

Will County residents can find local food resources at the Will County Food Access Maps located at www.willcountyillinois.com/findfood.