Businesses Respond to Call to Action for Emergency Food Pantry

Demand for emergency food supplies keep trending upward due to various challenges related to local emergencies like the fire at The Landings apartments, the federal government shutdown and the economy. In response, leadership and staff at Town Hall have continued to nourish strong relationships within the township to keep supplies at sustainable levels. Food can be donated by individuals, businesses and local organizations such as churches, schools and Scout programs who may hold food drives.

“We are personally doing everything we can to keep up with the demand,” Supervisor Laura J. Morask said. “Local businesses within our township have really stepped up to meet this challenge. In particular, Jewel-Osco in Park Ridge did such an outstanding group effort to raise $75,000 of holiday dinners that our Board will be presenting their store a special Plaque of Recognition at our upcoming Board meeting on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019.”

The Jewel-Osco team of employees, led by longstanding front end manager Benny Velazquez, informs residents about a special donation at checkout which gives each customer the option of purchasing dinner for a family of six people. The donation can be added to the final bill and customers get to hear an immediate announcement over the store intercom. In 2018, the Park Ridge store was the #1 fundraising location in the entire company of 2,300 stores. Food Pantry Director Carol Langan and Supervisor Laura J. Morask visited the store to personally thank their entire team.

Morask stated; “To be able to meet and thank each one personally on behalf of our Maine Township residents was a shining moment in this winter weary January! They are the epitome of a true community partner.”

Demand has been steadily increasing to an average of 150 food boxes per month which goes towards feeding over 300 residents per month within Maine Township. Each box is hand-picked by township staff with dozens of nonperishable food items to help supplement the needs of residents in distress. When the emergency food program first started back in 1981 there were only 15 food boxes provided per month.

The following wish list of items are always in demand: macaroni and cheese, cereal, juice, canned tuna, plain rice, crackers, peanut butter, pancake mix, canned pasta, condiments (ketchup/mayonnaise/mustard/pickles), cooking supplies (flour/sugar/oil/salt/pepper), cleaning supplies (laundry soap/dish soap), paper products (toilet paper/paper towels/facial tissue), storage products (tin foil/plastic wrap) and personal hygiene product (shampoo/toothpaste/bath soap).

Visit Town Hall at 1700 Ballard Rd., Park Ridge, or the website at www.mainetown.com to explore all the resources and services available to residents.

Caption #1

Park Ridge Jewel-Osco front end manager, Benny Velazquez, left, Maine Township Supervisor Laura J. Morask, center, Maine Township Food Pantry Director, Carol Langan meet at the Jewel to celebrate reaching the holiday fundraising goal.

Caption #2

From left to right, Jewel-Osco employees Lizette Hernandez, Lily Dounis, Julie Enis; Maine Township Food Pantry Director Carol Langan; Jewel-Osco employees Katie Arnold, Susan Frederick, Chris Muellner; Maine Township Supervisor Laura J. Morask; Jewel-Osco employees Irene Beecroft and front end manager Benny Velazquez.