The Hope Food Pantry

2020 brought new challenges and exacerbated others.  Food insecurity has risen across the nation.  More than two times the number of individuals visited The Hope Food Pantry in August 2020 compared to the previous January. That level of need persisted through 2021 and continues in 2022.  

In addition to the economic impact, COVID-19 forced a change in the way goods are provided. The self-serve pantry shifted to curbside pick-up.  Volunteers don PPE and have learned new procedures and safety protocols. Clients are grateful. In 2020 The Hope Food pantry provided 2,234 gallons of milk, 817 dozen eggs, and over 125,000 pounds of shelf stable food, produce, meat, bread, personal care and household items such as paper towels, toilet paper, hand soap and hand sanitizer.  

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

From The New York Times  How Food Banks Succeeded and What They Need Now

Donate

The Hope Food Pantry is operating with a Drive-Thru format on Church Street for the foreseeable future. Since we are pre-packing bags with specific items, donations of money are the best way to help the food pantry effort. 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/.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities 

Volunteers are needed every Thursday at the Drive-Thru pantry of Emmanuel Faith in North Chicago. This is an easy way to really help our community. Hours are 2:30-4:30 Thursdays. Masks and gloves provided, social distancing strictly enforced. It is not uncommon to give out 175 pre-packed boxes which are received with much gratitude. Families are welcome to volunteer together, just no children under 12 please. Contact hfds@stlawrencechurch.org to volunteer or donate. Thank you!