The Hope Food Pantry

2022 was another interesting year for the food pantry.  We started off the year with low numbers due to the Omicron variant and some lasting effects of the government stimulus programs.  However, as inflation began to heat up, our numbers on Saturday mornings increased dramatically. In the second half of 2022, the pantry averaged 59 families a day compared to 36 in 2021. The effects of inflation are real and there are many neighbors in need in Lake County.

The pantry served a total of 1492 families and 4534 individuals. We received over 300 pounds of home grown produce from the “Gardens for Hope” program. We distributed over 100,000 pounds of food, personal care products, baby and adult diapers. Hope Food Distribution gave away 300 gallons of milk to the Lake County Haven and supported other food pantries with donations of excess produce, milk and bread. 

Hope Food Pantry would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for their donations:

Sunset Foods – Long Grove

Aldi – Vernon Hills

Walmart – Vernon Hills

Aldi – Mundelein

Village Green Montessori - Libertyville

Northwestern Medical Group – Deerfield

St. Lawrence Episcopal Church

St. Gregory’s Church – Deerfield

The Book Club Babes 

The Hope Food Pantry is working to meet the need today and into the future.  We can do it with your help. To sign up for 2023 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

The season is now done, but plans will soon be underway for 2024 gardens.  We invite you to plant an extra pot or row of veggies at home.  Produce is collected weekly 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.