Mission Meals Reports Strong 2025 Impact as Need Continues in Mokena Area

One Love Global Wellness Foundation’s Mission Meals program reported continued strong demand in 2025, providing hot dinners and basic necessities for local residents facing food insecurity and financial strain.

According to the nonprofit’s year-end report, One Love served 3,624 individuals in 2025 and distributed 75,610 pounds of food through its programs during the year.

Mission Meals dinners are held at St. John’s United Church of Christ Community Center in Mokena, with meals prepared by EggCetera Café. Along with a hot meal, guests may also receive groceries to take home, as well as toiletries and seasonal items.

“In our immediate area, no other programs are offering hot dinners,” noted Tammy Leonard, founder of One Love Global Wellness Foundation, adding that Mission Meals aims to provide a welcoming evening option for individuals and families who need it most.

The organization also reported an influx of referrals from local schools and area food pantries during a SNAP shutdown, when families sought emergency support.

“Mission Meals is about more than dinner — it’s about dignity, warmth, and making sure our neighbors know they’re not alone,” said Leonard. “Our community continues to show up with donations, time, and heart — and that’s what keeps this work going.”

Beyond physical items, the foundation says its volunteers and partner agencies help connect guests to resources for rent and utility assistance, prescriptions, housing, mental health care, addiction services and domestic violence support.

One participant described the atmosphere this way: “Mission Meals isn’t just a place to eat, it’s family… we show up for each other.”

The organization also highlighted several year-end accomplishments beyond the periodic dinners, including a holiday partnership that distributed more than 3,600 toys to 607 children and their families.

The next Mission Meals community dinner will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at St. John United Church of Christ Community Center, located at 11100 2nd Street in Mokena. Residents interested in donating or volunteering can contact One Love Global Wellness Foundation / Mission Meals at (708) 479-6613 or MissionMealsOLGW@gmail.com

Since its founding in 2011, One Love served 25,927 individuals and distributed 316,618 pounds of food.

ABOUT ONE LOVE GLOBAL WELLNESS
Since its founding in 2011, the One Love Global Wellness Foundation has supported over 15,806 people and has distributed more than 22,303 pounds of food. One Love Global Wellness Foundation was established to address food insecurity in Will County, where approximately 47,130 people, including 9.7% of children, struggle with reliable access to nutritious food. Through the Mission Meals program, One Love Global Wellness Foundation and EggCetera Café owners Dino and Gail Bastas have provided vital support to local families, seniors, veterans and individuals in need. The Mission Meals program is funded entirely by donations from the local community.