Aurora Food Pantry's 14th Annual Food Drive Runs Through November

AURORA, IL — Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry's Holiday Food Drive is returning for the 14th annual year starting Nov. 1. Running through Nov. 24, the day before Thanksgiving, shoppers can make purchases at three area grocery stores as donations to the food pantry.

As a donation to the pantry, people can purchase prepackaged bags of food, which cost between $5 to $15, from Prisco's Family Market, 1108 Prairie St. in Aurora; Cermak Fresh Market, 1250 N. Lake St. in Aurora; and La Chiquita, 1525 Douglas Road in Montgomery.

Monetary donations can also be made on the pantry's website or by sending a check to Aurora Food Pantry, at 1110 Jericho Road.

"Families all across the 5 counties we serve have faced a number of challenges during the pandemic and we have worked hard to serve our neighbors in their time of need," Aurora Food Pantry Executive Director Shannon Cameron said in a statement. "Our community continues to show up and be a true partner in the fight against hunger. We are truly grateful for each and every donation, both monetary and through the grocery stores. This food drive is an important vehicle in the pantry’s ability to provide meals to families in need during the holidays."

At the peak of the pandemic, the pantry served almost 400 percent more families than it did in the previous year. Katie Arko, the senior development director at the pantry, said in a statement that Aurora Food Pantry is able to provide for those in need because of donations from the community.

Community members can also sign up to volunteer to distribute Holiday Food Drive flyers to shoppers at the grocery stores. In a news release, staff at the pantry said this helps the number of donations increase significantly. To start, people can email Marcy Robles or call 630-692-3056 to schedule a time.

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