Nicor Gas teams up with Goodr to tackle food insecurity

2,500 Illinois families served at free popup grocery events

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Nov. 18, 2021 – Nicor Gas, together with food waste management and hunger relief company Goodr, is furthering its commitment to help 250,000 Illinois families meet their basic needs. The company hosted three popup grocery stores and energy assistance events with Goodr in some of its economically hardest hit service areas.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused many challenges for the customers and communities that Nicor Gas serves. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 11% of Illinois residents live in poverty – that's more than 830,000 individuals in Nicor Gas’ service area. As supply chain issues and shortages linger while grocery prices continue to increase as a result, this number is likely to grow.

“Nicor Gas partnered with Goodr to provide fresh food and groceries to thousands of deserving families in the communities we serve,” said John O. Hudson III, president and CEO of Nicor Gas. “No one should have to struggle to put food on the table. That’s why we are honored to serve the families who need it the most.”

The companies hosted three free popup events that provided 2,500 families with a week's worth of groceries, including fresh produce, bread, meat, eggs, dairy or dairy alternatives, cereal, shelf stable items and beverages — all locally sourced. Nicor Gas employees volunteered alongside Goodr staff to assemble and distribute the items to families among its northern Illinois service territory in Joliet, Rockford University Park.

“Goodr is honored to align with civic-minded companies like Nicor Gas in the ongoing mission to address food insecurity,” said Goodr CEO Jasmine Crowe. “Our company was founded on this principle and we feel fortunate to be able to consistently partner with businesses to tackle this issue in ever expanding areas. This commitment perfectly aligns with Goodr’s founding mission and motto to ‘feed more, waste less.’”

In addition to groceries, several community organizations were available to help event attendees learn about energy assistance options, as well as the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program that provided free energy-saving products and tips to increase home comfort this winter.

To learn more about free weatherization services that are available to customers, visit nicorgas.com/weatherization. To learn more about Nicor Gas’ community partnerships, visit nicorgas.com/community. To learn more about Goodr’s mission to feed more and waste less, visit goodr.co.

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