HOPE FOOD PANTRY NEEDS PAPER GROCERY BAGS. IF YOU HAVE EXTRAS, PLEASE DROP THEM OFF AT ST. LAWRENCE DURING OFFICE HOURS TUESDAY-THURSDAY 9AM-4:30PM.
The Hope Food Pantry continues to feed more and more families. In 2023, our average number of families served increased to 76 from 50 in 2022. November and December of 2023 saw us serving over 100 families regularly. We are adapting to the higher numbers as best we can so that we may serve everyone in two hours. We purchased more carts and have 10-12 volunteers every pantry now compared to 5-6 volunteers just a couple years ago. We have also streamlined product choices and are prepacking the bags with household items in an effort to serve every neighbor who shows up from 8am to 10am.
We now have a database of all our food pantry neighbors and they sign in each time with a unique number. We are still working out the kinks with the technology, but feel confident this will result in an easy registration process and provide helpful data and reporting capabilities.
Sourcing food has been harder this year as Northern Illinois Food Bank struggled to keep up with the rising demand for food from all its pantries. We picked up over 17,000 lbs of food from Sunset, Jewel, Aldi and Walmart and ordered over 77,000 lbs of product from NIFB. Costco, Garden Fresh and donations from our congregation and local businesses were significant sources of food as well.
Thank you to all who have donated bags, food and money to the pantry. This is what makes our ministry sustainable. And of course, I absolutely love our dedicated volunteers who show up in all weather and deal with whatever crazy situations may arise with patience and humor. There is a mutual trust and respect between our volunteers and our neighbors in need and this has led to many beautiful moments together over the years. Come experience it for yourself!
To sign up for 2024 volunteer spots, please use the link on our website, www.thehopefoodpantry.org
DONATE
While the Hope Food Pantry seeks donations of specific items, monetary donations continue to be the best way to help the food pantry effort. As a member of the Northern Illinois Food Bank and its purchasing power, donations to Hope Food Pantry stretch a little further. Several employers in the area are matching or even doubling donations made to help the Covid-19 pandemic. Please check with your employers to see if this is available! Copies of the IRS 501(3)C Determination Letter are available for "Hope Food Distribution Services, NFP" if needed.
Visit www.thehopefoodpantry.org to donate online.
VOLUNTEER
There are many ways to volunteer at HFDS. Volunteers are needed on Friday afternoons to pack bags, Saturday mornings to staff the food pantry, and during the week to help with donation pick ups from our retail partners. Small groups are welcome.
Learn more at https://thehopefoodpantry.org/.
GARDENS FOR HOPE
We invite you to plant an extra pot or row of veggies at home. Produce is collected at St Lawrence and offered to guests of the Hope Food Panty. All vegetables and herbs are appreciated. If you’re looking for ideas; cherry tomatoes, tomatillos, peppers, kale, chard, zucchini, green beans, cucumbers, parsley, and cilantro are easy to grow and produce a lot of great food. CLICK HERE for more information.
Dean Froehlich of Froehlich's Finest bringing Michigan apples and squash before Christmas!
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