Staff Report

ROCKFORD – The Northern Illinois Food Bank will host a free “Pop-Up Market” from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 23, in the parking lot of the Winnebago County COVID-19 Donations Center, 5460 E. State St.

The drive-through market is part of the food bank’s ongoing COVID-19 relief response and was coordinated through a partnership with the Winnebago County Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

“Thanks to continued generous donations from Walmart, Amazon and Trader Joe’s, the Food Bank will have four truckloads–approx. 160,000 pounds total–of various fresh produce and dairy items to distribute,” the food bank said in a release.

Anyone in need of food assistance is welcome. No ID, proof of address or income is required.

The event will be staffed by the food bank and volunteers from Salvation Army, Rockford Sharefest and Heartland Community Church. They will help bag and distribute a variety of produce including fresh fruit, fresh greens, potatoes, onions, squash, tomatoes, salad kits and more. Dairy items include yogurt, fresh eggs and fresh milk.

Tables and volunteers will be stationed according to social distancing guidelines, and gloves and masks will be provided in order to ensure the health and safety of staff, volunteers and neighbors.

Attendees will not leave their cars and should enter the parking lot only from the east.

The last Pop-Up Market in Rockford served nearly 1,200 families. Organizers say this event will serve as many as 2,000 families.