'Electrical Issues' Temporarily Close West Suburban Pantry

WOODRIDGE, IL — West Suburban Community Pantry (WSCP) must temporarily close its doors due to electrical problems that are causing issues with its refrigeration and air conditioning amid an extreme heat wave. The closure will be in effect June 18 through June 22.

The Woodridge-based pantry offered modified distribution June 16 for its prepackaged perishable food items, including frozen meat, bread and fresh produce. Those pantry services were available from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

“Due to the extraordinary high temperatures this week, we have experienced the failure of both the air conditioning in our Pantry building and the loss of our commercial refrigerators and freezers. Our first priority is to ensure food is safely stored and handled, and under the current conditions that is impossible,” WSCP Executive Director Laura Coyle said in an update.

Coyle added, “We also need to ensure that our customers, volunteers and staff are safe and comfortable in our space. Unfortunately, this comes at a time when demand is high, and the cost of food is rising daily. But we could not, in good conscience, have people spend precious gas to come to the Pantry when we cannot offer the items they need most. Not being able to provide costly milk and eggs right now is a tragedy for us. The timing could not be worse. ”

WSCP is connecting with nearby food banks in the wake of these issues, which will likely lead to costly repairs, a news release said.

"We are looking at an estimated $30,000 in unanticipated expense in addition to the loss of food we have suffered this week. We are working with urgency to get back online to serve our customers safely and conveniently as soon as possible, “ Coyle explained.

She continued, “In the long term, we want to ensure that our equipment is sound and reliable. We are attempting to source equipment with our corporate and professional partners to ensure we don’t suffer these outages again. The best thing people can do to help is to make monetary donations to help us restock when we are able.”

WSCP hopes to reopen with its regular hours on June 23. Shoppers can arrange to pick up items via alternative locations by using the Virtual Food Pantry.