815 Hunger Luncheon Brings Rockford Together in the Fight Against Hunger

By ETF Entertainment / ElevateTV.Network

Rockford, Illinois — September 30, 2026

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Today, community leaders, organizations, food pantry representatives and residents gathered in Rockford for the 2026 815 Hunger Luncheon, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and financial support in the fight against hunger throughout the Rockford and Winnebago County community.

The luncheon was held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and brought attention to the work of the Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition, which consists of nine area food pantries. Funds raised through the campaign are distributed among the participating pantries, which collectively serve thousands of local residents each month. https://www.cfnil.org/mhl

For Breaking Generational Curses Academy and ETF Entertainment, attending the luncheon provided an opportunity to hear directly from individuals and organizations working on food access and to connect with others committed to strengthening Rockford families.

One initiative highlighted during the event was the proposed Mobile Grocery Store Initiative, designed to bring an actual shopping experience closer to neighborhoods where residents may have difficulty reaching a traditional grocery store. The proposed mobile market would travel to underserved areas with affordable fresh food, helping address transportation and food-access barriers. Organizers have said the model is intended to allow families to shop for their own groceries while maintaining dignity and choice.

The luncheon also recognized individuals helping lead the fight against hunger. According to notes taken during today’s program, Barbara Flores was recognized as a 2026 Hunger Champion, while representatives connected with local hunger-relief efforts discussed the continued importance of collaboration among pantries, nonprofits, businesses and community leaders.

The event also featured poetry performances by Adam al-Sirgany and Mikiah Gerrity, adding an artistic voice to a gathering centered on community, service and the experiences of families facing food insecurity.

The room included a broad cross-section of Rockford leadership and community members, including people currently seeking elected office, law-enforcement leadership and representatives from area organizations. The luncheon itself is focused on hunger relief rather than electoral advocacy; its public campaign is designed to raise awareness and funds for participating food pantries.

The need remains significant. In 2025, the Hunger Luncheon campaign raised a record $82,305, and organizers set a $100,000 fundraising goal for 2026. Recent reporting ahead of today’s luncheon said this year’s campaign was still well short of that goal, making continued donations and community participation especially important.

The Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition, formed in 1994, brings local food pantries together to feed residents, increase awareness of food insecurity and pool community resources. Its nine participating pantries collectively serve approximately 25,000 visits per month, or roughly 300,000 annually, according to the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.

For organizations such as Breaking Generational Curses Academy, the luncheon served as more than a meal—it was an opportunity to build relationships, learn about developing resources and identify additional partners who can work together to address hunger and other barriers affecting Rockford families.

ETF Entertainment and ElevateTV.Network will continue highlighting the organizations, programs and people working to make a difference throughout the Rockford community.