Need is Up, Supply is Down at West Suburban Community Pantry

During a busy week with food collections at stores, executive director Barbara Schmith took the time to talk more about the that is located right in Woodridge.

Patch: How has the economy affected the pantry?

Schmith: Our numbers have, indeed, increased. In February of this year we served 2,683 clients; in May that number was 3,109; in August it was 4,030. We have been advised by Northern Illinois Food Bank that government commodities have been cut by 50 percent for the coming year. For us, this means a loss of 100,000 pounds of free food.  We will have to seek a way to replace this and the projected budget to do so is $25,000.

Patch: What events are taking place soon? 

Schmith: The Dry Bottom Diaper Days collection takes place through September. In fiscal year 2010 (which ended June 30), we gave away over 124,000 diapers.

October 1 is the first planning meeting for Cabaret 2012. This is our major fundraiser held in April at the Hilton Hotel in Lisle.  Last year we raised over $135,000 at Cabaret. All new volunteers are welcome and invited.  Meeting is at 9 a.m. at the pantry.

November 19 is the distribution of Thanksgiving Baskets. Consider “adopting” a family or a senior citizen and providing the makings of a holiday dinner for them.

On December 17, it's the distribution of Christmas Baskets. You may “adopt” a family or a senior citizen for either food or gifts.

Patch: Can you tell me a little about the programs and classes offered? 

Schmith: ESL is taught by instructors from the College of DuPage.  Taste of the Pantry is in collaboration with the Illinois Extension Service and car seat collection is in collaboration with DuPage County.

Patch: If someone is in need of assistance, what do they need to do? 

Schmith: Those in need in DuPage county are eligible to visit the pantry once a month for a full food order, which includes meat, cheese, eggs and milk.  They may also visit weekly for produce and bread.  They must meet federal income eligibility guidelines, which vary depending on size of household.  For example, a single person must have a monthly gross income of $1,180 or less; a family of four income limit would be $2,421.

Patch: What type of donations are accepted and how can people get them to you?

Schmith: We accept donations of non-perishable food and personal care items Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We also accept perishable donations such as produce. We accept corporate donations of any type of perishable product.

Patch: How can someone volunteer?

Schmith: To volunteer, we encourage persons to visit our website at www.wcpinc.org and click on How You Can Help. A volunteer application can be completed online. Children below high school may volunteer with their parents; high school teens are welcome to volunteer on their own. We also encourage people to go to our website and look at our virtual food drive. You can choose which food you would like to donate to the pantry or you can choose to make a donation at a food bank cost of only .18 per pound. A donation of $180 buys 1,000 pounds of food and $360 buys a ton of food!