Orland Township Grocery Distribution Aids Hundreds of Families

Orland Township’s largest ever, one-day food pantry distribution helped nearly 1,000 people who, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are facing financial hardship, according to the office of Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady.

In six business days, the drive-thru distribution went from conception to inception. Township staff members, volunteers and elected officials worked together over the course of a week to take inventory, acquire additional supplies, sort, package and set-up for distribution, 350 boxes of groceries and other needed items.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is causing financial difficulties for many of our community members,” said Supervisor O’Grady. “Orland Township wanted to assist as many residents as possible and that is how we came up with the idea for a one-day, mass distribution of groceries and other items.”

Orland Township’s Food Pantry grocery distribution was held on Friday, April 24. Vehicles began lining up at 7:30 a.m. for the drive-thru distribution, which was scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Each family received a large box packed with perishable and non-perishable items. Items in the boxes included soups, pasta, pasta sauce, dry beans, cereals, side dishes, snacks, poultry, dairy items, eggs, breads, peanut butter, and pastries. Additionally, each family received a case of water, toilet paper, paper towels, pet food if needed, and a $20 gift card to either Mariano’s or Aldi food stores.

“As soon as we had the idea for the grocery distribution, everything started falling into place,” said O’Grady. “During the planning and preparation, from inventory to packaging, Township staff and volunteers worked like a well-oiled machine to make this event happen and I can’t thank everyone enough for all their generosity and hard work.”

Supervisor O’Grady thanked fellow elected officials, Trustees Antonio Rubino and John Lynch for their hard work during the grocery distribution. Additionally, O’Grady thanked all the volunteers including those from Parkview Church, Orland School Board member Dave Shalabi, Angela Greenfield from @properties and officers from the Cook County Sheriff’s Police. O’Grady also expressed his appreciation for the generous contribution of grocery store gift cards from the Orland Park Lions Club, the Orland Park Kiwanis Club and John Doria/Christopher Burke Engineering.

Due to the continued need, another drive-thru grocery distribution will be held at Orland Township on Friday, May 8. Information will be posted on the Township’s website orlandtownship.org.

Residents who are not able to attend the grocery distribution but are in need of assistance should call the Township at (708) 403-4222, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for information on receiving assistance.