Elk Grove Township food pantry officials are expressing gratitude for the stepped-up efforts and donations from the public, stating in a news release that the support has helped with assisting local families in need.
“The township is deeply grateful to area residents and organizations who have been steadfast supporters of the food pantry, given the increasing needs in our community,” Township Supervisor George Busse stated in the release.
The township participated in one of the largest one-day food drives in the nation, National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, where residents were encouraged to leave a bag of requested items – dried goods, canned goods and other nonperishable food – by their mailboxes, the release states.
“This initiative resulted in a remarkable 6,185 pounds of food being collected and donated to the food pantry,” officials stated in the release.
Community Character Coalition, or CCC, of Elk Grove hosted another successful food drive in May, focusing on essentials such as broth, peanut butter, jams or jellies, and canned chicken, according to the release. That event is one of two annual CCC food drives, with all proceeds going to the Elk Grove Township food pantry.
“The township has seen exponential growth in the number of residents who utilize its food pantry, currently serving more than 1,000 families per month – a testament to the growing demand and the community’s generosity,” officials stated in the release.
Brian Homann, doctor of dental surgery, offered a $1,000 match for any monetary donations collected during the drive. A total of 1,112 pounds of food was collected, the release states.
“The needs of our community continue to grow and we are proud of the community support that allows us to meet those needs,” Busse stated in the release.
Elk Grove Township Food Pantry officials are calling on local gardeners with an excess of fruits and vegetables to make donations, the release states.
Officials explained in the release that fresh produce is coveted by families who rely on the food pantry.
“Gardeners who find themselves with more produce than they can consume or distribute are encouraged to donate their surplus. With numerous families in need, nothing will go to waste,” officials stated in the release.
Elk Grove Township includes all or parts of Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows and Schaumburg.
The township accepts donations daily, including via Amazon, FedEx and U.S. Postal Service, the release states.
“Monetary donations are also welcome and accepted to fill the gap between what is donated and higher-demand items,” officials stated in the release.