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Greater Chicago Food Depository receives $950 donation from Woodforest Charitable Foundation.

16-October, 2012

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CHICAGO, IL – Greater Chicago Food Depository accepts a $950 donation from Woodforest Charitable Foundation.

The Food Depository, established in 1978, distributes 64 million pounds of food including more than 21 million pounds of produce, to 650 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in Cook County. Nearly 142,000 men, women and children turn to the Food Depository’s network each week, and nearly 678,000 people turn to the network annually.

Opened in 2004, the Food Depository operates in a 268,000 square foot facility that can handle a potential of up to 80 million pounds of food distributed annually. The building has enhanced capabilities that include separate shipping and receiving lots enabling large trucks to maneuver; 10-bay shipping dock that accommodate various agency vehicles as well as room for innovative programs such as Agency Mart, Pantry University and Chicago’s Community Kitchens.

The Food Bank has initiated several innovative programs with the objective of reaching populations, such as children and older adults, to further its mission of ending hunger in Cook County. Recent achievements include the creation of a SNAP benefits outreach program, the Healthy Kids Markets pantries-in-schools initiative and a meal production program that delivers more than 13,500 meals for children and older adults weekly. The Greater Chicago Food Depository was named the Community Kitchen Program of the Year in 2008 by Feeding America.

Kate Maehr was appointed chief executive officer of the Greater Chicago Food Depository in 2006. Since her appointment, the Food Depository has increased the annual distribution of food by 65 percent.

“With your gift, we will provide food to more than 142,000 adults and children this week. Thank you for supporting our mission of providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community. We are truly grateful,” said Maehr.

For more information on Woodforest Charitable Foundation’s contributions to this organization, please contact this agency directly at 773-247-FOOD (3663) or visit www.chicagosfoodbank.org.

The Woodforest Charitable Foundation was created by Woodforest National Bank in 2005 as a direct result of its desire to support and invest in the communities in which it serves.  The Foundation is creating a legacy of commitment to those in need, enriching lives and communities through dedicated leadership and faithful administration by providing funding to qualifying 501(c) (3) charities. For additional information regarding The Woodforest Charitable Foundation, call (832) 375-CARE (2273) or visit the foundation’s website at www.woodforestcharitablefoundation.org .

Celebrating 32 years of service and ranked among the top earning banks in the United States, the Woodforest family of banks currently has assets of approximately $3.7 billion and services more than 1 million customers with branches in excess of 780 throughout 17 states:  Texas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.  For information about Woodforest National Bank, please call 832-375-2000 or visit the bank’s website at www.woodforest.com.