NIFB's Challenge: Make a Change. Change lives in northern Illinois!

Food Bank of the Year - Top Honor Received by NIFB!

2010-05-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

Northern Illinois Food Bank is excited to report that it was recently named the 2010 Food Bank Member of the Year by the Feeding America network of food banks on April 8th!

This award distinguishes NIFB as being the model organization amongst its peers of 206 food banks across the country. NIFB was recognized for its year of extraordinary growth, and its continued ability to meet the rising hunger challenge by helping neighbors in need.

NIFB Accomplishments in FY09

502,400 different people fed annually (168% increase since 2006)

61,600 different people fed weekly (65% increase since 2006)

27.2 million pounds of distribution (on pace to distribute 35m pounds this year)

902,185 youth meals served (on pace to distribute over 1m meals this year)

4.6 million pounds of food saved through the Food Recovery Program (on pace to save nearly 6.5m pounds this year)

60,598 volunteer hours donated

Four Star Rating from Charity Navigator for sixth consecutive year (only 2% of all American charities have achieved this streak)

Life + Stress = Weight Gain

2010-05-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

Hello friends -

Is it really May already? Life at the Food Bank moves so quickly! It's time to update you on these past few months. Unfortunately, I personally have not had much success on my quest to weight-loss. That's part of the reason you haven't heard from me because there wasn't much to say.

A New YOU Resolution:
I realized last night that it's been about 6 years since I've done something good for myself. I think many women, especially moms, put everyone else in their lives first without realizing how important it is to make time for yourself. Estella Hayes reminded me of that back in January when we started the Pound for Pound Challenge.

As part of a "Lose Big" program, I joined a gym and have started a Zumba class for the first time in my life. And I started on May 1st, not January 1st! Estella has told me on many ocassions that Zumba is one of her favorite classes because it's so much fun. My instructor is amazingly positive and encouraging! This is a good thing because I must admit 10 minutes into the hour-long class I thought to myself, "Did I really PAY to do this to myself?" and "What was I thinking?" :) However, it is SO much fun to dance and know that you're doing something good for yourself. If you need to move more and like to dance, I recommend Zumba!

Life + Stress = Weight Gain
I was doing some research on how Stress affects the success or demise of your weight loss efforts. None of this is rocket science, of course, nor is it to be used as an excuse but it helps me to focus on what will help me on my journey.

So why does stress prevent you from losing weight?
A stressful situation triggers a shot of adrenaline followed by a surge of cortisol, which signals your body to replenish the calories you used. Too much cortisol causes the metabolism to slow down. This can explain weight gain even when you're not eating more than usual.

A brief update on my life...my husband has been out of work for about a year, we have a five and a half year old, and I work full-time at NIFB. Being employed is a blessing!
Surviving one day at a time is how I can describe the past year. This, of course, makes focusing time on ME incredibly difficult but when I think about Jerry and Estella Hayes and their journey to health and wellness, I am inspired to continue to make time for myself. None of us can be good for our families and friends if we don't realize the importance of taking care of ourselves.

"The production of cortisol interferes with the production of testosterone, the hormone responsible for building and maintaining muscle mass. A decrease in muscle mass leads to a slower metabolism, since a pound of muscle requires more energy to maintain than a pound of body fat. The good news is that exercise combats stress. Exercise gets the blood flowing, which helps flush the cortisol from your body. Studies have shown that walking just under 20 minutes, three times a week can lower cortisol levels by 13 percent."

Now doesn't a lunchtime walk sound appealing? We have a small group of ladies at work that do just this every chance they get. Of course, the sun MUST be shining to do this. But in a warehouse, you can finds an alternative if you really want to walk!

Be encouraged...do something good for yourself every day!
Shannon Thompson
Promotions Manager, NIFB

Some Tips from Jillian Michaels:

Balance Your Life
"Eating right and exercising are the key to losing weight, but if your life isn't in order, you'll have a much more difficult time pulling off those two keys. Not getting enough sleep can affect weight loss, as can stress. If weight loss is a priority, make it a priority by getting rid of external stresses and things that keep you from getting to the gym, such as laziness, friends who encourage you to go out instead of going to the gym, and even a job that doesn't give you enough time to get to the gym. Losing weight is...about changing your life, and that means making real changes."

Pay Attention to What You Eat
"Even the foods you think may be healthy aren't giving your body the best chance to lose weight, such as processed food and refined carbohydrates. Read the food labels of the items you buy in the grocery store. Focus on buying whole-wheat carbohydrates. White breads and pastas have been stripped of the essential nutrients your body needs such as vitamins, minerals and especially fiber. One of the keys to losing weight is knowing exactly what you're eating and how much of it (calories) you are eating. Knowing how many calories you eat and work off every day will help you know how much weight you can expect to lose."

About Zumba
Zumba is a dance fitness program created by dancer and choreographer Alberto "Beto" Perez in Colombia during the 1990s. The program combines Latin and international music with dance in an effort to make exercise fun. It fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away. Zumba classes are offered through licensed instructors in more than 50,000 fitness center locations in over 75 countries.

Team NIFB Challenge Update

2010-02-18T07:58:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since we've checked in with NIFB's Pound for Pound Challenge teams. Trying to track down these busy Food Bank staffers is no simple task. They are working hard to help so many of our hungry neighbors that it's rare to find all team members in the building at the same time!

Below are the results from the teams first weigh in since the start of the Challenge. Remember, the Volunteer Department has challenged the Agency Department to see who can lose the most percent of their team weight. How are the teams doing? .....

Volunteer Team Weigh-In:

Starting = 866 pounds

Current = 854 pounds

Loss = 12 pounds!

Team Goal: To lose 66 pounds together.

Agency Team Weigh-In:

Starting = 976

Current = 958

Loss = 18 pounds!

Team Goal: For each member to reach their own personal goal.

Way to go teams! Keep up the hard work. We'll check in on both teams again in a month or so............and the Challenge continues!

Watch NIFB on The Biggest Loser!

2010-02-11T13:45:00.000-08:00

Alright, we already know you're a fan of Northern Illinois Food Bank because you're reading this post! So...if you are also a fan of The Biggest Loser you'll want to mark this date on your calendar.

WHEN: TUESDAY, MARCH 2nd from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. CST

WHAT: Watch The Biggest Loser on NBC

WHY: So you don't miss The Pound for Pound segment featuring your favorite Food Bank and Jerry and Estella Hayes, their Pound for Pound Challenge Champions (Season 7 contestants TBL)!

Learn more about how Northern Illinois Food Bank is helping to feed seniors through our Senior Meal Box program. See Jerry and Estella Hayes volunteer their time to help!

Shannon's Story - 4 weeks down!

2010-01-29T13:49:00.000-08:00

It's cold out. Okay, it's freezing. I mention this because there's something about the cold weather that makes me search for comfort foods. Yes, the Pound for Pound Challenge is difficult when it's cold and the last thing I want to do is drink water. However, I am making progress...6 pounds gone!

It is exciting to watch the pounds pledged across the country increase online day by day. Northern Illinois Food Bank has been holding steady at 5th place for all Feeding America food banks!

If you have thought about pledging but haven't yet don't worry. There's still time to make your New Year's resolution AND help raise funds to feed our hungry neighbors here in northern Illinois. It only takes a few minutes of your time!

The Pound for Pound Challenge ends on June 30, 2010. Visit http://www.pfpchallenge.com/ and follow these easy steps to make your pledge:

Click "Pledge Now"
Enter your birth date
Enter your zip code
Enter your weight loss goal
Enter your registration info (name & email)

Thank you and good luck!

Shannon :)

Shannon's Story - 2 weeks down!

2010-01-14T14:39:00.000-08:00

If you had told me a year ago I would be taking the Pound for Pound Challenge and sharing my journey so publicly, I would have said you were crazy. Not that I mind being in the spotlight. I have a strong theatre background and continue to participate in community performances on and off the stage. It's just so much easier to play the role of a character other than myself. And so much easier to have fun and deny that it's time to make a change. It is no accident that Jerry and Estella Hayes are now part of our lives at NIFB.....and part of my life. The time to make a change and live a healthier life is now. Thanks to the inspiration of Jerry and Estella, I have pledged to take the Pound for Pound Challenge. They are an amazing example of how much fuller life can be when you feel good and know that you've done something beneficial not only for yourself but for your family, as well. I want to be around a long time so I don't miss a single moment of my 5-year old's life. I want to be an active part of it, too! Gaining a better quality of life is the most important lesson I've learned from Jerry and Estella since I met them about 2 months ago.

I watched The Biggest Loser this week. Unfortunately, I have many evening commitments on Tuesdays and do not often get the opportunity. Dr. H. was talking to each team about how their lifestyle of not exercising and unhealthy eating habits has aged them in astounding ways. The internal age of one of the contestants is 57....she's only 27! That spoke to me. She's lost 30 years lost because she likes to eat fast food instead of taking the time to prepare a meal, and sit on the couch instead of getting up and moving. How many years have I lost? It's not worth it. Why do I think I have another day and can make a change tomorrow? The truth is none of us really don't know how much time we have left so we need to do something today!

I started eating more carefully and planning my meals and snacks a few weeks ago before the January 5th kick-off date. It's been amazingly easy for some reason. Very few cravings and I don't feel like I'm missing anything because I'm eating lots of vegetables and fruits....and of course, I've been drinking lots of water! Yesterday, I had a challenge. I spoke at a luncheon meeting at Maggiano's. Family style lunch with large bowls and platters of lasagna, ravioli, potatoes, and the largest piece of tiramasu I've ever seen. I am proud to say I made better choices today than I would have made a few weeks ago. I guess you could say I chose ME instead of food. The chicken, salmon, steamed broccoli, and salad were delicious and satisfying. Amazingly enough I was able to pass the crusty bread and butter to my left and turn it down again when the very nice man next to asked if I wanted some more. I don't know about you but bread and butter are my favorite....THIS was an achievement for me.

WHAT I LEARNED TODAY: Small steps can make a BIG difference in your success.

Good luck on your personal journey! Remember that you're worth it. And know that your pledge is helping so provide food to so many people who desperately need it in your community.

Shannon :)

Promotions Manager, NIFB

Biggest Losers & NIFB Challenge Champions Volunteer

2010-01-13T14:43:00.000-08:00

Jerry and Estella Hayes, the white team from Season 7 of The Biggest Loser, paid a visit to Northern Illinois Food Bank in St. Charles on Tuesday, January 12th. The oldest contestants in the history of the show continue to prove that it is possible to eat healthy and lose weight while at home. Jerry won the $100,000 prize for losing the most percentage of his body weight at home. They have inspired their daughter to lose 90 pounds (so far!) and as a family have lost almost 400 pounds!

Their visit to NIFB on Tuesday was to film a segment for the Pound for Pound Challenge that will air on NBC's The Biggest Loser this season. John Paszylk and many employees from General Mills came out to help pack Senior Meal Boxes. Jerry and Estella encouraged volunteers and staff to pledge their personal weight loss goals and reminded them that anyone can get healthy if they put their mind to it. They also had an opportunity to share their reason for wanting to get involved with Northern Illinois Food Bank and the Pound for Pound Challenge. Jerry has been volunteering to help the hungry for over 30 years through various organizations. Estella, while also a volunteer, once received a box of food as a child. She didn't realize it at the time but her family was poor and feels blessed to have been on the receiving end of someone's generosity. Jerry and Estella knew that this was the right time to "pay it forward".

Our visit ended at Winfield Woods where Deanna Dang, one of Jerry and Estella's daughters, works as an Administrator. The Hayes' journey has inspired so many people to strive towards their own goals. The residents at Winfield Woods were so inspired that they decided to turn one of their TV/lounge rooms into a gym - the "Winfield Workout World"! A generous vendor donated equipment so that the residents had the right tools to reach their goals. Almost 30 people pledged their weight loss goals yesterday and helped to feed even more hungry people served by the Northern Illinois Food Bank. It's amazing the ripple effect that Jerry and Estella's journey has had on so many different people. If you are inspired by their story, please checkout http://www.pfpchallenge.com/ and see just how easy it is to get started. Tell everyone you know that you are signing up and encourage them to pledge, too. Life is just too short not to make a change today and help change other's lives!

NIFB Takes the Pound for Pound Challenge!

2010-01-13T14:15:00.001-08:00

Northern Illinois Food Bank employees are stepping up and taking the Challenge! Individuals and teams have already signed up. Some teams are even brave enough to get on the warehouse scale together and

weigh in periodically. Pictured here the Volunteer Department has challenged the Agency Department to see who can lose the most percent of their team weight.

Volunteer Department's Goal: To lose 66 pounds as a team.

Agency Department's Goal: For each team member to reach their own personal goal.

Let's hope the winning prize isn't a pizza party............let the Challenge begin!

The Pound for Pound Challenge Has Begun!

2010-01-13T12:48:00.000-08:00

On January 5th, the long awaited Pound for Pound Challenge began! Northern Illinois Food Bank has been preparing for many months and was excited to get started and spread the word. For those of you who haven't heard yet, let me give you some background. The Pound for Pound Challenge, as seen on NBC's The Biggest Loser, is in its second year. Feeding America and NBC's The Biggest Loser, is again partnering with General Mills, Subway, 24 Hour Fitness and Walgreen's to encourage Americans to lose weight through the Pound for Pound Challenge. Built around the incredible success of The Biggest Loser, the program allows anyone to shed pounds along with the show's contestants by pledging their weight-loss goals at http://www.pfpchallenge.com/. For every pound of weight you pledge to lose, the Pound for Pound Challenge will donate 14 cents to the Food Bank that serves the hungry in the area where you live. It's that easy! There is no follow up as to whether you reach your goal or not. However, we'd love to hear your stories so please feel free to share them at http://www.pfpchallenge.com/ or via our blog.

If you haven't met our Challenge Champions yet, take a look at some of the photos from our Pound for Pound Kickoff & Premier Party which was held on Tuesday, January 5th in Wheaton. Almost 100 people signed up to pledge their personal weight loss goals that night at the party! NBC paid a visit and filmed all the fun. NIFB was mentioned on the evening news that night! A healthy dose of inspiration from Jerry and Estella Hayes, the white team from Season 7 of The Biggest Loser might be just what you need to get motivated and take the Challenge!

Tell all your friends, family, and co-workers about the Challenge. It's a great way to spread the word and get more support to help feed our hungry neighbors. Northern Illinois Food Bank is currently in 5th place as the Food Bank with the most pounds pledged across the country...help us move up to the top spot!