Food Pantries and the DuPage County’s role
One of the DuPage County Board’s primary roles is fiscal responsibility when it establishes the annual budget.
With growing food insecurity across Illinois, DuPage County has sought to increase support for food banks and pantries, with Loaves & Fishes requesting $2.5 million from the County to expand its food hub.
The CEO of Loaves & Fishes presented at a recent County Board Meeting, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, to discuss food insecurity.
On March 24, the Board voted to approve a total $4.8 million to fund three major programs (including the 2.5 million to Loaves and Fishes as well as the Northern Illinois Food Bank and Conservation Foundation) that will address food insecurity throughout the County.
Supporting food pantries is a laudable goal and feeding the hungry is one of the corporal works of mercy.
However, the primary duty of the county board is Fiscal Management as Stewards of Tax Dollars.
The Loaves and Fishes grant is an Example of Misusing Taxpayer Dollars.
As outlined in long-standing Board Member Grant Eckhoff’s recent op ed and in his testimony during the DuPage County Finance meeting on March 24, DuPage residents make up only about 36% of people served by Loaves and Fishes.
Conversely, 42% of the individuals served are from Kane County, 18% from Will, and 4% from Kendall County.
DuPage County is therefore paying nearly 100% for a food hub expansion that will primarily serve other counties.
Simple Math. This is not fiscal stewardship.
When a person attends dinner with friends, each person splits the bill (and the tip) fairly. DuPage County could support growing food insecurity while paying its fair share of the bill (let’s round up and contribute 40% or $1 million of the $2.5 million originally requested).
The primary duty of each board member is to be a steward of the DUPAGE COUNTY taxpayer dollar.
Food Assistance in DuPage County | DuPage Co, IL
DuPage County has always offered excellent resources for any struggling with food insecurity. Within District 4 (Wheaton, Glen Ellyn) these include the People’s Resource Center, Glen House Food Pantry, DuPage Pads, and more. Visit Food Assistance | Wheaton, IL for assistance or to donate food or time.
