No Neighbor Hungry in Northwest Illinois

What We Stand For

Operation Feed 45 is a community initiative founded by Joshua T. Atkinson, in partnership with Fighting4Freeport and the Atkinson for Senate campaign, to address hunger throughout Illinois Senate District 45 — the heart of Northwest Illinois.

We believe that when our neighbors fall, we help them back up. Operation Feed 45 is about restoring hope, strength, and dignity — one family, one meal, and one act of kindness at a time.

Our goal is simple: no neighbor hungry in Northwest Illinois.

Our Mission

Operation Feed 45 is about neighbors helping neighbors. When life knocks someone down, we step in with a helping hand and a bag of groceries — not out of charity, but out of genuine care.
We believe in the power of community — in lifting each other up, giving families the strength, hope, and fuel to keep moving forward.
Through compassion and action, we’re rebuilding strength across Northwest Illinois, one household at a time.

“Hunger humbles us all — it reminds us how much we need one another. The real strength of Northwest Illinois isn’t found in what we have, but in how willing we are to share it.”
— Joshua T. Atkinson

  • We Can’t Fight Hunger Alone

    Operation Feed 45 is powered by community — but we can’t do it without you. Hunger is real in Northwest Illinois, and together we can fight it.

    We need your help — food and monetary donations, and businesses, churches, and organizations willing to serve as drop-off sites throughout District 45. Every can, every dollar, and every act of kindness brings us one step closer to ensuring no neighbor goes hungry.

    Join us. Together, we can turn compassion into action and hope into renewed strength.

    Donate

  • We're Fighting For You

    If you’re struggling right now, please know — you’re not alone. Hard times can fall on any of us. Operation Feed 45 isn’t about judgment or charity; it’s about community.

    We’re here to help you get through the tough days and remind you that there are people who care — neighbors who want to lift you up, not look down on you. Everyone deserves the strength and the fuel to move forward, and we’ll do what we can to help make that happen.

    To make sure we can best serve you and your household, we ask that you register online using our short form. It’s not to judge or discriminate — it simply helps us understand your needs so we can provide the right kind of support as donations become available.

    Register to be added to our confidential distribution list, and we’ll reach out as soon as we’re able to assist.

    All information is kept strictly confidential and used only to coordinate food assistance.

    Because no matter what you’re facing — you matter, and your community stands beside you.

    Register

  • Join the Fight Against Hunger

    Operation Feed 45 runs on the power of community — and every helping hand makes a difference. Whether you can give an hour, a day, or a weekend, your time means the world to someone who’s struggling.

    We need volunteers to collect donations, sort and pack groceries, make deliveries, and spread the word throughout Northwest Illinois. Together, we can make sure every neighbor knows they’re not forgotten.

    No special skills are required — just a caring heart and a willingness to help.

    Sign up to volunteer and be part of something bigger than yourself. Together, we’re turning compassion into action and hunger into renewed strength.

    Volunteer

  • Fuel the Fight Against Hunger

    Hunger doesn’t just affect individuals — it affects entire communities. Operation Feed 45 was built on the belief that when local businesses, churches, and organizations come together, we can make sure no neighbor is left behind.

    We’re asking local partners to join us as sponsors — helping us cover the cost of groceries, packaging, delivery supplies, and outreach so we can reach every family in need across Northwest Illinois.

    Sponsorship isn’t just a donation; it’s an investment in the health and strength of your own community. Together, we can turn compassion into action and hope into renewed strength.

    Ways to Help:

    Become a financial sponsor to fund local grocery deliveries.

    Host a donation drop-off site at your business or organization.

    Offer in-kind support such as vehicles, boxes, or storage space.

    Partner with us and show Northwest Illinois what community leadership looks like.

    Sponsor