Jewel-Osco: Not Just a Neighbor—A Friend

During the month of September, our friends at Jewel-Osco made a significant impact on our food rescue collections. As part of National Hunger Action Month, Jewel-Osco scheduled several food collection drives and sidewalk sales to bring awareness to hunger issues in our community. Spearheaded by store manager, Mike Impola, the events were kicked off with an on-location awareness push conducted by local radio station 104.3 KHiTS FM. Lakeview Pantry Executive Director, Gary Garland and Community Outreach Manager, Lothar Greski also made on-air appeals to help promote Jewel’s month-long efforts to spread hunger awareness throughout Lakeview and the Chicagoland area.

Three area Jewel-Osco locations hosted drives throughout the month and collected a total of 9050 pounds of food. Participating stores included 3531 North Broadway, 3630 N. Southport, and 3630 North Southport. Each made impressive contributions:

Broadway: 5,350lbs
Ashland: 2,050lbs
Southport: 1650lbs

“I can’t begin to express how successful Hunger Action Month was to Lakeview Pantry. September is typically one of those months that we seem to be in a holding pattern because donors are all beginning to think 'holiday donations'. I know much of the event’s success was a result of Mike Impola’s driving force."  Lothar Greski, Community Outreach Manager

Many of our neighbors such as Chicago Male Salon, Cupid’s Treasures, and Buck’s Saloon, all made sizeable food donations that exceeded $250. Thank you to all of the area merchants and individuals who supported the Jewel-Osco drives and Lakeview Pantry!