Mike Yore's efforts to alleviate hunger make him a true hero to two local food banks in Chicago's western suburbs.

Yore, director of Food and Nutrition Services at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital in La Grange, Ill., has been named a "Hero of Everyday Life" by The Sodexho Foundation. He was one of eight heroes across the United States to be recognized by the foundation, the independent charitable arm of Sodexho Inc. that provides food service to the hospital.

As part of the award, the foundation donated a $5,000 grant in Yore's name to the charity of his choice. He selected the Northern Illinois Food Bank, Cicero-Berwyn-Stickney Food Bank, and the Food Pantry at the Second Baptist Church of La Grange.

"Hunger is a year-round problem that we must try our best to conquer," Yore said. "In fact, nine percent of households in Illinois don't know where their next meal will come from. Hunger is a bigger problem than most people realize."

Since 2004, Yore has been the driving force behind Sodexho's STOP Hunger efforts in the Greater Chicagoland area. At the hospital, Yore works with the Spiritual Life Committee to coordinate food drives. Three food drives have been held so far, collecting more than 1,700 pounds of food for local pantries.

"Mike's dedication to this cause is inspirational," said Tim Cook, CEO of Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital. "We're proud to be able to take his lead and support the fight against hunger within our own community."

Occasionally, Yore brings his two daughters, ages 10 and 12, to work with him at the food banks. "I want my kids to realize the truth about hunger," Yore said. "They have come to appreciate how much food a family of four needs for an entire week."

Yore also helps coordinate volunteer opportunities for hospital employees with the local Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) program. PADS provides beds, showers, a hot dinner, breakfast, and a sack lunch to about 50 people a day. The hospital donates all food, and Yore prepares the food at the hospital then delivers it.

"This is my way of doing God's work," Yore said. "I grew up in a modest home on the south side of Chicago. My family never went hungry, but we never had leftovers either. I became acutely aware of the need for food.

"It's very simple," he continued. "I allow the Lord to use my hands. I guess you could call it my personal ministry."

Julie L. Busch, public relations specialist, Adventist Midwest Health

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Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital will collect food donations for the St. Francis Xavier Food Pantry, and will also accept clothing for the needy through the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Both drives will be held November 1–16. For more information, call the Pastoral Care department, at the hospital, at 708-245-3920.