Don’t Skip this on your Taxes!

By Anthony Todd in Food on Feb 17, 2010 5:20PM

If you’ve already been working on your taxes, you’ve probably noticed the “tax check-off” charity options on your Illinois state returns. If you are doing your taxes on paper, these are found in Schedule G - if online, they come somewhere near the end of the state section. One of the donation options on the list is particularly close to our hearts - the “Feeding Illinois” option.

During the current recession, the number of people in need of assistance has skyrocketed, and Chicago’s food pantries have been stretched to the limit. Illinois food pantries already serve 1.4 million people, and depending on the economic climate in the coming year, that number may increase. Feeding Illinois is a coalition of 8 food banks that provides food to nearly 2000 kitchens, pantries and shelters - and it includes the Greater Chicago Food Depository, which reports that the number of people in Cook County needing food aid has increased 36% in the last year.

When you’re doing your taxes, please consider adding a donation, even if it’s just a couple of dollars. Especially if you are receiving a tax refund from the state of Illinois - you may not notice a couple of dollars missing from the refund check, but those in need will certainly appreciate the help. If $100,000 is not reached during this tax season, the option will be removed from the tax form, and this opportunity for the citizens of Illinois to help feed the hungry will be lost.