Food Pantry named “Most Outstanding Agency”
Oct 6, 2008
Cook County food pantries and soup kitchens receive their USDA allotments and other services through the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD). Each year, GCFD recognizes member agencies that have made exceptional advancements in the fight against hunger. This year, the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry received 3 awards from GCFD: 1) Quality Performance Award, 2) Best Community Outreach Efforts Award, and 3) GCFD’s highest award, the Father Phillip Marquard Outstanding Agency Award. In addition, the OPRF Food Pantry received an honorable mention in the category of Best Volunteer Progam.
The Father Phillip Marquard Outstanding Agency Award is given in honor of Father Marquard, a man of compassion and vision, and one of the founders of GCFD. In the category of agencies with a budget over $10,000, the Outstanding Agency Award is given to one food pantry and one soup kitchen in Cook County. In winning this prestigious award, the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry demonstrated excellence in every category of food program performance: client services, food program operations and process, staff and volunteers program, financial management, and community outreach. GCFD judges noted that the OPRF Food Pantry has an exemplary volunteer program. Over 160 volunteers represent the caring, dedicated, professional approach taken towards hunger relief in our community. Proactive outreach, consistent training and unique volunteer coordination efforts make the OPRF Food Pantry’s volunteer program exceptional. GCFD was also pleased with the OPRF Food Pantry’s increased services to clients, noting the introduction of “produce rescues” at local stores and Farmers Market as well as recent client assistance with food stamp applications and energy bill relief. The OPRF Food Pantry received $1000 for this award.
The Best Community Outreach Award recognizes the OPRF Food Pantry for community awareness of services offered. GCFD judges appreciated the Pantry’s new website as an important communication tool and praised the cordial relationship with local press. They were most impressed with the level of community involvement in raising food and funds for the OPRF Food Pantry. They noted the annual Girl Scout food drive, the diversity of congregations supporting the Pantry, and recent initiatives by businesses such as Eastlake Chiropractic and Within Your Reach Closet Design as demonstrating the breadth of community involvement. The OPRF Food Pantry received $500 for this award
The Quality Performance Award recognizes food pantries that consistently maintain standards of excellence in every category of food program performance. The OPRF Food Pantry will hold this designation for 3 years.
The Managers of the OPRF Food Pantry thank the communities of Oak Park and River Forest—-especially our wonderful volunteers—-for the support they give in realizing our mission: “working together to provide hunger relief in our community.” These awards would not be possible without their generosity and dedication.