Community Corner
Vernon Township to March in Lincolnshire Independence Day Parade
The Township will be raising awareness of its food pantry, as well as seeking donations to help restock its shelves.
On Tuesday, July 4, Vernon Township Food Pantry volunteers will be marching in Lincolnshire’s annual Independence Day Parade and accepting donations to help restock the shelves of the Township’s Food Pantry. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Lincolnshire Drive and Londonderry Lane in Lincolnshire. Residents are encouraged to bring non-perishable items, including pasta, pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese, condiments, beans, rice, canned protein, canned fruit, canned veggies (except green beans), toilet paper and paper towels. Cards that include a QR code on them will also be handed out by the Township with a list of the food pantry’s most needed items - and information on how to donate in the future.
The Vernon Township Food Pantry has been open for more than 25 years and is a “client choice” model, which allows residents who utilize the pantry to select the items that they prefer, which leads to less food waste and higher efficiency. The most popular food items are recorded, and that list is used each season to create a wishlist.
“Independence Day represents, in part, hope and community, which is exactly what our residents who are experiencing challenges need,” said Township Supervisor Jonathan Altenberg. “The Township is grateful for this opportunity to spread awareness about our Food Pantry and how it serves our residents.”
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Before the pandemic, the Food Pantry served an average of 75 families per month, and now it provides food for roughly 145 families every month. The continually rising cost of living is credited in part, for this nearly 100% increase in Food Pantry utilization.
For individuals who need to access the Food Pantry, a State ID and proof of Township residency is required – such as a current utility bill. It is open for registered residents on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Residents can also call the Township for emergency food, if needed, during regular business hours, Monday - Friday between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Food Pantry donations can be dropped off at the Township Administrative Building, located at 3050 N. Main Street in Buffalo Grove, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. A list of the Pantry’s most needed items can be found on the homepage of the Township website, by visiting vernontownship.com. For more information or for any questions, please call Nancy Urice at the Township at 847-634-4600.
