Feeding Greater Elgin Opens Permanent Location
Tuesday November 22nd, 2011
Last summer, United Way of Elgin was at the table with several local food pantries and interested parties to discuss the crisis of food insecurity in Elgin. Out of those meetings came the idea for Feeding Greater Elgin, a collaborative food pantry, which would work together with local government, schools, businesses, organizations, churches and social services to make a larger impact on hunger.
What began in January as a mobile pantry service has now expanded into a permanent facility at 1553 Commerce Drive, Elgin, IL 60123. After 16 mobile pantry food distributions that provided over 125,000 pounds of food to 2400 Elgin families, the organization leased a 9400 square foot facility and held its first food distribution on November 12th. The space is split between a warehouse for food storage and office space for both pantry staff and volunteers as well as space for other local social service agencies to conduct information and outreach. This gives the pantry a one-stop-shop feel, where clients can receive food as well as other information on assistance, services, and programs that they may be eligible for.
Feeding Greater Elgin is unique in that they operate on a Client-Choice model, allowing clients to choose food items themselves, rather than getting a pre-packed bag. This will allow families to exercise more control over their food and take any dietary needs or preferences into account.
The pantry is currently open for Food Distribution on Tuesdays from 9-11am, Wednesdays from 11am -1pm, Thursdays from 6-8pm, and Saturdays from 9am -1pm. It will hold a Grand Opening on Saturday, December 10th from 2-5pm; the community is invited to attend and get a tour of the new facility. The pantry will be staffed primarily by volunteers, who anticipate helping 1000 families each month. Clients must have photo ID and proof of residency in Elgin or South Elgin.
Volunteering
Volunteers are needed to help with food distribution shifts and also with warehouse stocking and replenishment. Please contact Susan Ericson, Executive Director at 847-931-9330 or director(at)FeedingGreaterElgin.org for more information, or visit the website.
