Annual Report available now!

Dec 20, 2011

Annual newsletter available here …. read more by clicking below.

.PantryAnnualReport_2011.pdf

Girl Scouts Feed 1000 | OPRF Food Pantry

Girl Scouts Feed 1000

Oct 21, 2011

If you add 500 girl scouts to 20,000 homes and factor in unstinting generosity, what do you get? Thirteen tons of food collected for Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry to share with hungry neighbors. Some savvy donors knowing we can purchase food more cheaply, opted to leave checks—nearly $600 worth! Together, that’s enough to feed over 1000 families. Once again, Service Unit 409 Girl Scout troops from Oak Park and River Forest proved that there is no age limit for compassionate service. Lisa Files (the organizing genius behind the food drive) estimates that the girl scouts and their parents donated over 2400 hours of volunteer labor.

The Board of Directors and staff of the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry want to express our appreciation for the outpouring of support from our community. Thanks to all of you who put food out for the girls to collect. Thanks to the few folks whose food didn’t get picked up but who brought it in anyway. Thanks to the parents who schlepped van-loads of food to us. Thanks to the volunteers who sorted and sorted and sorted. And in a showing of cross-gender collaboration, Troop 16 Boy Scouts lent their strong backs to help move all those tons from the sorting center to the Pantry. Thanks to the guys, too!

Our clients cannot be more thrilled with this bounty. This food drive came at the perfect time. You may have heard that the rise in food costs and cuts in food commodities we receive from USDA have forced the Food Pantry to comprehensively review our program and adjust our boundaries. It is our mission to provide hunger relief and to do so with respect and efficiency. Thus, we have made thoughtful programmatic changes in order to maintain our level of service. Your continued support and generosity mean that Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry will continue to be able to serve the most vulnerable families in our community now and for years to come.

Pantry to Adjust Service Area in 2012 | OPRF Food Pantry

Pantry to Adjust Service Area in 2012

Oct 18, 2011

Sky-rocketing food costs and the end of stimulus support means that USDA commodity support to food pantries across the country has been slashed. For us, that means a 50% reduction in USDA support overall and the elimination of most USDA-supplied protein-rich items like milk, cheese and frozen meat. Facing the same obstacles as the USDA, our regional food bank has lowered its subsidization of our food costs by 25%.

The well-being of our clients is our top priority. So we will continue to purchase protein-rich foods despite the rising costs. But in order to meet the nutritional needs of our most vulnerable clients, we will no longer be able to support communities where other food pantries provide assistance. We need to focus our resources on communities where food needs are not being sufficiently met by others.

Beginning January 1, 2012 we will serve clients from our 12 zip codes of greatest need: Austin (60644, 60651), Berwyn (60402), Elmwood Park (60707), Forest Park (60130), Franklin Park (60131), Humboldt Park (60651), Oak Park/River Forest (60301, 60302, 60304, 60305), River Grove (60171) and Schiller Park (60176). We will continue to serve all currently eligible clients throughout the rest of 2011. (See the “Services” tab for a complete list of current zip codes.) These zip codes cover 65% of our current clients.

The reduction in service area was determined in consultation with expert advisers from Greater Chicago Food Depository, our regional food bank. Only areas where other established food pantries exist were removed from our service area, so no one will be left without access to emergency food as a result of this change.

It’s painful to tell some people they won’t be able to return to our food pantry. But we need to be careful stewards of our resources so we are able to remain a strong safety net for those without other recourse.

Pantry Pulse Fall Newsletter 2011 | OPRF Food Pantry

Pantry Pulse Fall Newsletter 2011

Aug 30, 2011

Pantry Pulse Spring newsletter available here …. read more by clicking below.

Pantry Pulse Fall 2011 Newsletter

Longtime Friends Oversee Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry | OPRF Food Pantry

Longtime Friends Oversee Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry

Aug 30, 2011

From the basement of First United Church of Oak Park, in a small office that was once a closet, a handful of people provide food for thousands each year. Kathy Russell, executive director of the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, and Michele Zurakowski, operations manager, work with several full-time staff and a sizable group of volunteers.

“We’re really two sides of the same coin,” said Zurakowski, about longtime friend and colleague Russell. “Michele and I are partners in this organization,” said Russell. “We manage it together but we have very distinct roles.”

Russell, as executive director, takes a bigger picture approach to the food pantry and handles most exterior issues, such as acquiring funding, food, and community outreach.

Zurakowski manages in-house affairs and developed a variety of programs, such as bringing in a nutritionist, providing cooking classes, and implementing a client choice food program where guests get to pick what they want to take home.

Russell and Zurakowski stress that they receive hefty assistance in the operation of the pantry. “Our community is such a big part of the food pantry,” said Russell. “We work together as a community to provide hunger relief.”

Credit Philip Downie

Thank you for supporting Hunger Walk 2011 | OPRF Food Pantry

Thank you for supporting Hunger Walk 2011

Aug 9, 2011


Thank You Team Pantry 2011 and all that donated to the team!!

Over 97 donors, volunteers, board members, and staff participated in the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s 26th Annual Hunger Walk on June 25, 2011. Staged from the south lawn at Soldier Field, the annual event is a 5K walk along Chicago’s lakefront and the largest single day anti-hunger event held in Chicago.

Supporters of Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry raised $20,000 during Hunger Walk 2011. The fundraiser is crucial to the Pantry as 100% of the money raised goes to the purchase of food. Food costs have gone up and federal monies for food have gone down. This fundraiser is crucial to the Pantry’s ability to provide food to those in need.

To all those in our Oak Park and River Forest communities who donate funds and energy to the Pantry — THANK YOU. Your efforts sustain the Pantry and enable us to fulfill our mission — working together to provide hunger relief in our community!

Pantry receives funding for expansion of our Nutrition Education Program | OPRF Food Pantry

Pantry receives funding for expansion of our Nutrition Education Program

Jul 5, 2011

Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry’s Nutrition Education Program was piloted in late 2010 when we launched our “client choice” model of food distribution (wherein clients shop for their food rather than receive pre-packaged allotments). As part of a Kraft Foods Feeding Possibilities grant received to implement client choice, we also piloted a Nutrition Education Program in order to help people make healthier choices with Pantry food. The program educates Pantry clients on healthful food choices and preparation. A dietician and interns carry out nutrition education sessions, which include presentations, handouts, and recipes. The Nutrition Education Program began by presenting nutrition education at approximately half of our food distribution sessions—for a total of four per month. Topics have included: incorporating whole grains in your diet, eating more fruits and vegetables, label reading, and using low-fat dried milk (a common USDA commodity).

Our Nutrition Education Program also addresses the link between hunger and obesity. For individuals in low-income situations, access to fresh produce and nutrient dense food is severely limited (full-service grocery stores are scarce in high-poverty areas, and farmers’ markets are usually nonexistent). Ironically, this confluence of poverty and lack of good food often results in obesity: a person’s limited income is spent on inexpensive foods that are high in fat, sugar, and preservatives, and a “feast or famine” eating cycle leads to metabolic changes that promote fat storage. This dangerous and common phenomenon is avoidable with consistent access to nutrient dense food.

Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry’s Nutrition Education sessions include samples of nutritious foods made from Pantry ingredients. The food samples have been a major factor in motivating clients to learn more about nutrition. Clients are pleased to discover the samples are made with food from the Pantry and appreciate the opportunity to replicate the recipes at home. They are also taking the initiative to talk to the dietician about other food-related health issues, such as diabetes. And on days the program has been conducted, Pantry staff has noticed a distinct up-tick in the amount of the featured ingredient from the Nutrition Education Program chosen off the Pantry shelves.

Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry is grateful for the support from the grant programs of Kraft Foods Feeding Possibilities, Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation - Young Philanthropists and BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. With these funds, the Pantry will be able to achieve the following goals of its Nutrition Education program: 1) Encouraging Pantry clients to make healthier food choices. 2) Improving Pantry waiting room atmosphere (which can have high noise and anxiety levels). The Nutrition Education Program provides a calming influence by giving clients something to do while waiting (many take the time to read their nutrition fact sheets) and by encouraging positive interaction between clients (many have shared recipes with each other). 3) Providing clients with an avenue to try new foods, as well as easy, inexpensive recipes for using them. 4) Providing real-life work experience for dietetics students.

Pantry thanks Oak Park Letter Carriers and Troop 16 Boy Scouts | OPRF Food Pantry

Pantry thanks Oak Park Letter Carriers and Troop 16 Boy Scouts

Jun 3, 2011

Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry thanks Oak Park Letter Carriers and Troop 16 Boy Scouts for May food drive effort.

Troop 16 Scouts: Daniel Jenks, Kyle Kent, Michael Rajter, Eddie Sell, Cullen McAndrews, Drew Matticks, Casey McCormick, Matt Dittmer, and Adam Kuiken.

Many hands make light work. That is what we experienced on Saturday, May14th, in the National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. The Letter Carriers of Oak Park collected food from community members and the Boy Scouts of Troop 16 helped to unload, sort and shelve the food at Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry.

It is a challenge to feed 1400 families every month. Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry always meets that challenge—but not without assistance from all sorts of community members. We are grateful for Steven May’s coordination of the food drive on the letter carrier side, to all the letter carriers who hauled food from neighbors’ homes to the south post office and to Boy Scout Troop 16’s help on the Pantry’s side. The strength, organization and energy of the letter carriers and Troop 16 Scouts made this event effortless for the Pantry staff.

And of course we thank all of you—neighbors supporting neighbors—who raided your own pantries to stock ours. We are deeply appreciative.

For over 30 years, Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry has served as a bridge for many and a lifeline for a few. We find that 89% of our clients come to the Pantry for less than one year. The services we provide are a bridge for those ordinary people who are experiencing extraordinary circumstances. We help see them through the difficult time. For others, clients who are disabled or elderly, we may help for a longer period of time.

We are grateful that you—neighbors, letter carriers and boy scouts—work with us to support this important local safety net for those in need.

Kathy Russell, Executive Director, Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry

Amazing Feinstein Challenge Results! | OPRF Food Pantry

Amazing Feinstein Challenge Results!

May 9, 2011

Thank you donors of food and funds!!

It was a great March and April for the Feinstein Challenge. You responded with 33,023 food items and $100,250. This represents a 54% increase in food and funds collected compared to the 2010 Feinstein Challenge!

Food was collected by individuals, congregations, and schools. Thirteen schools collected food and funds, with Brooks Middle School and Holmes Elementary School collecting the most! Brooks collected $1056 and 674 food items and Holmes collected $354 and 1331 food items.

Other schools that participated in the Feinstein Challenge food and fund drive were: Lincoln (OP), Willard, Lincoln (RF), Beye, Longfellow, Whittier, Julian Middle School, Alcuin Montessori, Intercultural Montessori Language School, St. Edmund’s elementary school and Fenwick High School. We are grateful for the support of the school children and their families.

A particularly generous donation came from St. Edmund’s congregation. St. Edmund’s chose Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry as their Lenten almsgiving which resulted in a $10,000 donation to the Pantry.

The food and funds will help in our efforts to provide hunger relief for the 1400 clients that come to the Pantry every month. The Pantry serves as a bridge to many and a lifeline for a few. Most of our clients (89%) come to the Pantry for less than a year, just to get through extraordinary circumstances. Those on fixed incomes due to disability and social security benefits see us more as a lifeline.

The donations of so many help the Pantry provide food to all that come to our door.

Next up for the Pantry is the Hunger Walk on June 25th!

Concordia-Chicago reaches out to River Forest for donations to benefit OPRF Food Pantry | OPRF Food Pantry

Concordia-Chicago reaches out to River Forest for donations to benefit OPRF Food Pantry

Apr 20, 2011

Concordia University Chicago students will be collecting cans from River Forest residents that will be donated to the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry.

April 30, from 10 a.m. to noon, Concordia students will be collecting canned goods and non-perishable items as part of Box City homeless awareness event hosted by Concordia-Chicago’s Ministry with Chicago student-led organization. See full story here

Thank You Pantry Volunteers | OPRF Food Pantry

Thank You Pantry Volunteers

Apr 12, 2011

In recognition of National Volunteer Week, the staff of Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry wants to take this time to ….

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ….for making the food pantry a better place.

Volunteers are the backbone of our organization; participating in every aspect of our operations.

Every time you volunteer, you make a difference. Whether it’s unloading a truck, picking up produce, addressing envelopes, serving clients or helping clients to their vehicles.

Because of your 1,200 hours of monthly dedication, selfless commitment, and support, we are continually able to serve 1,400 families every month.

National Volunteer Week was first established by President Nixon in 1974. The purpose was to recognize the millions of dedicated Americans who volunteer during the year in an effort to make the world a better place. Every year the current President and several other political figures issue proclamations thanking the efforts of volunteers. The purpose of National Volunteer week is to not only thank current volunteers but to encourage more people to volunteer by drawing attention to those who are already helping make the world a better place

Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain love for one another. - Erma Brombeck

Thank you. Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry Staff and Board of Directors.

Oak Park RIver Forest Food Pantry joined OneCause | OPRF Food Pantry

Oak Park RIver Forest Food Pantry joined OneCause

Apr 11, 2011

DO YOU SHOP ONLINE? A PERCENTAGE OF YOUR PURCHASE WILL SUPPORT THE FOOD PANTRY

Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry has joined OneCause to help turn your online purchases into much-needed contributions for our cause at the Food Pantry; at no extra cost to you!

Get started in 1-2-3!

  1. Go to www.onecause.com and click “Join”
  2. Fill in your profile information and select Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry as your cause.
  3. Start your shopping at OneCause.com

Every time you shop through OneCause a percentage of every eligible purchase will be donated to our cause. A simple way to support our cause – we will earn up to a 20% contribution when you make purchases at hundreds of well-known merchants, including Amazon.com, Expedia, Nordstrom, Office Max, PetMeds, Shutterfly, Pottery Barn, iTunes, Borders, etc. The list goes on & on.

SUPPORT OUR CAUSE WITH YOUR ONLINE PURCHASES. THANKS!

Loss of AmeriCorps impacts OPRF Food Pantry | OPRF Food Pantry

Loss of AmeriCorps impacts OPRF Food Pantry

Apr 7, 2011

This cut would hit close to home: The Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry shares one of Illinois’ 2,600 AmeriCorps volunteers with West Suburban PADS. Our AmeriCorps volunteer, Hallie Trauger, works half-time at the pantry, where she focuses on assisting clients with applications for food stamps and other public benefits.

Click here for complete article from Wednesday Journal,Tuesday, April 5th, 2011.

Position Paper House Bill 161, Amendment 1 | OPRF Food Pantry

Position Paper House Bill 161, Amendment 1

Apr 7, 2011

HB 161 would require that the head of a SNAP household (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-formerly food stamps) have his/her picture on the face of the Link card. It also allows for the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to suggest a process that would authorize a caregiver of a Link cardholder to use the Link card on the cardholder’s behalf. HB 161, Amendment 1 would undermine the goal of SNAP by making it more difficult for families to put food on the table. Click here for complete position paper.

Feinstein Challenge: A million dollars to share ... with food pantry | OPRF Food Pantry

Feinstein Challenge: A million dollars to share ... with food pantry

Mar 30, 2011

Travel the world? Pay for college for your kids? For Alan Shawn Feinstein the answer is different: Give it away — and challenge others to do likewise.

Each spring, Feinstein challenges food pantries across America to collect as many food items and cash donations as possible. The pay off? Feinstein donates $1 million divided proportionally among the competing food pantries.

Here at Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, see full story here

Pantry Pulse Spring Newsletter 2011 | OPRF Food Pantry

Pantry Pulse Spring Newsletter 2011

Mar 30, 2011

Pantry Pulse Spring 2011 Newsletter

See a Play, Help the Food Pantry | OPRF Food Pantry

See a Play, Help the Food Pantry

Mar 30, 2011

Theatre’s production of Brian Friel’s “Faith Healer,” the theatre will donate $5 to the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry. Any patron who buys a full price ticket and mentions the food pantry will have $5 donated from the price of their ticket. See full story here

Food rescue program helps Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry stay healthy | OPRF Food Pantry

Food rescue program helps Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry stay healthy

Mar 30, 2011

Dressed in slacks and a smart blue shirt, Orly Slobodkin wasn’t quite dressed for the task ahead, but she’d come straight from teaching French classes at a local school, and didn’t want to be late. In her two months as a volunteer, she’d come to look forward to her weekly work for the food pantry.

It was Slobodkin’s designated day to fetch fruits and veggies that had reached their sell-by-date from a local grocery store, as part of a food pantry effort called Produce Rescue. Joining her was the pantry’s resource gleaner, Amy Brogioli. See full story here

CROP Walk May 1, 2011 | OPRF Food Pantry

CROP Walk May 1, 2011

Mar 30, 2011

on Lake St. in Oak Park.

Last year over 400 walkers from thirty congregations and organizations raised over $75,000 to put this area’s total for 27 years at over $1 million. 25% of the money raised remains in this area, going to agencies like the Oak Park-River Forest Food Pantry, Cluster Tutoring and PADS. Click here for full story.

Pantry debuts ACH Debit Program! | OPRF Food Pantry

Pantry debuts ACH Debit Program!

Mar 15, 2011

Want to make recurring donations to the Food Pantry? Now you can do so easily with automatic debit from your bank account!

Over 50% of our monetary donations come during the last 2 months of the year. But the Pantry purchases food every month of the year, so donating over the course of the year makes it easier for us to plan and shop for food.

Click here for ACH Debit Form, print, choose whatever frequency and amount works for you, then either scan and email to dawn@oprffoodpantry.org or fax to us at 708-386-1841 or mail to us at 848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301.

Thanks for supporting Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry.

Lobbying for hunger relief in Illinois: Day Two at the Feeding Illinois Conference and Lobby Day | OPRF Food Pantry

Lobbying for hunger relief in Illinois: Day Two at the Feeding Illinois Conference and Lobby Day

Mar 11, 2011

I asked Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, a member of the Food Depository, if I could tag along with their group for their first meeting of the day with their representative, Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park).

As I sat down with the group, pantry executive director Kathy Russell continued down the list of meetings planned for the day. Kathy and her team had done their homework … See more

From Legislative Hunger Awareness Day: Food Pantry open during the blizzard | OPRF Food Pantry

From Legislative Hunger Awareness Day: Food Pantry open during the blizzard

Mar 3, 2011

“OPRF shared an amazing story about opening the pantry the night of the blizzard. They served 15 families but one stood out. A working mother of five came in, stressed that schools would be closed for the next two days, and her children would not have access to schools meals—a total of 30 meals.

“If people are coming to pantry in a blizzard, they really need the help,” OPRF Executive Director Kathy Russell explained. “It was one of those times where you realize this is why we are here,” OPRF Director of Operations Michele Zurakowski added.”

.See Facebook post here.

Plainfield Teens band together to fight hunger in Oak Park | OPRF Food Pantry

Plainfield Teens band together to fight hunger in Oak Park

Feb 28, 2011

More than 242 youth groups in the greater Chicago area will participate in World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine – getting a real taste of hunger to help feed and care for children living in extreme poverty around the world. The Chicago groups hope to raise $363,000 and join 300,000 teens nationwide aiming to donate $11 million to fight world hunger this year. During the 30 hours, teens fast “on an empty stomach” by going without food (consuming only liquids) for 30 hours to experience what the poorest children and families face every day.. Click here for full story.

The Pantry received $204 and over 350 food items as a result of the Christ Community Church scavenger hunt.

Oak Park RIver Forest Food Pantry stays open despite blizzard | OPRF Food Pantry

Oak Park RIver Forest Food Pantry stays open despite blizzard

Feb 3, 2011

Surely no one would think there’s anything all that special about a plate of lasagna.

Cheese, spaghetti sauce, pasta, spices, and whatever personal touches from grandma’s cookbook, but nothing worth writing the Iron Chef or Wednesday Journal’s own foodie columnist Frank Chlumsky about.

On Wednesday evening, as buckets of snow fell upon the Chicago area – 18-inches in Oak Park — Michele Zurakowski and her staff dined on the Italian dish. It was brought in that evening by their co-worker at the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry—a well-deserved meal for a smaller-than-usual staff who chose to work Wednesday during one of the worst blizzards of record in the city.

The Tuesday evening before—as the storm began to pick up steam—Zurakowski, the pantry’s director of operations, and her staff was faced with a tough decision: open the pantry up on its normal, first Wednesday evening of the month or shut it down. They decided to go ahead and open at 7 p.m., and serve whoever showed up. Click here for full story.

A Christmas story:  First-time visitor to the Food Pantry offers thanks for food and dignity | OPRF Food Pantry

A Christmas story:  First-time visitor to the Food Pantry offers thanks for food and dignity

Dec 28, 2010

The Journal received this letter over Christmas from the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry. It made us feel good about our communities and we bet you’ll feel good, too.

Dear Wednesday Journal,

We must pass on this e-mail from a new client from our Dec. 22 distribution of food at Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry. It is truly a Christmas story and demonstrates the power of a community coming together, not just at the holidays, but all year long:

“So, this afternoon, I went to Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry. It was the first time I actually stayed and went through the entire process.

“Never in my life could I have imagined the love that I was shown by each woman helping me shop for items. Click here for full story.

Traffic keeps growing at OPRF food pantry | OPRF Food Pantry

Traffic keeps growing at OPRF food pantry

Dec 21, 2010

For the last five years, staff and volunteers at the Oak Park and River Forest Food Pantry have tried to beef up operations to serve an ever-expanding population. But it isn’t always easy. For a group that relies heavily on donations from the public, keeping food in people’s kitchens is a daunting task. “The Saturday before Thanksgiving, we had 341 people come to us,” said Kathy Russell, the food pantry’s executive director. “We have never had more than 275 (on a single Saturday).” Since 2005, the number of people coming to the pantry has grown. It now serves about 1,400 people on the West Side of Chicago and the western Cook County suburbs. Click here for full story

Why poverty equals obesity: Good food is expensive | OPRF Food Pantry

Why poverty equals obesity: Good food is expensive

Dec 14, 2010

Canned ravioli, macaroni and cheese, and ramen noodles are common staples at food pantries, mainly because they are inexpensive to purchase and often are among the foods donated to food pantries. But are they really what food pantry clients need? Probably not.

What food pantry clients need are the same foods that you and I buy: milk, eggs, lean meats, fresh vegetables and fresh fruits. The problem is these nutritionally dense foods cost much more than highly processed foods laden with fat and calories, such as frozen dinners and fast food. Research shows that low-income individuals are significantly more likely to be overweight or obese than those who are financially well off — and given the low price of high-calorie foods, that’s really no surprise.

In an effort to not just feed our hungry neighbors but feed them well, Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry has ….. Click here for full article.

VIDEO: Food Pantry Staff Has Talent! | OPRF Food Pantry

VIDEO: Food Pantry Staff Has Talent!

Dec 1, 2010

OPRF Food Pantry featured in OakLeaves | OPRF Food Pantry

OPRF Food Pantry featured in OakLeaves

Oct 7, 2010

More dignity and respect for the client, less waste for the food pantry. That’s how Kathy Russell, executive director of the Oak Park-River Forest Food Pantry, characterizes Client Choice. Client Choice is a procedure that allows food pantry clients to select their groceries, much as they would do at a grocery store, instead of just receiving a bag of groceries Click here for full story

Pantry Effort at Hunger Walk Breaks All Records. | OPRF Food Pantry

Pantry Effort at Hunger Walk Breaks All Records.

Sep 19, 2010

As we do every summer, volunteers and staff from Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry took part in the 2010 Greater Chicago Food Depository’s Hunger Walk, a fundraising event that directly benefits the Depository’s network of 650 member food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.

As we planned our participation, the Pantry had two goals in mind: to recruit 31 walkers, and raise a total of $5,500. And we’re happy to report that we surpassed both.

With 74 walkers, we were able to raise a record-setting $16,635 in donations, plus a bonus of $1,070 from Greater Chicago Food Depository, amounts that will make a real difference to the many families we serve within our community.

Food Pantry board member Bob Haisman was our most successful fundraiser of the day, a fact related in no small part to his own dedication to the cause. Struggling with physical therapy after two knee replacement operations, Bob decided to motivate himself by getting ready for the 5K (3 mile) walk, at the same time boosting awareness of the Pantry’s work. Many of his friends and loved ones were inspired by his decision and dug deep to help out.

“Let’s be honest,” Bob says with a chuckle, “three miles isn’t a marathon. But for me, it might as well have been.”

Bob has volunteered with the Pantry for many years – since even before it was housed in First United Church – but continues to have moments that remind him of why he got involved in the first place. He recalls, for instance, a cold January day on which he drove into the parking lot – only to find a line of pantry clients snaking out of the lot and up the block.

“It dawned on me that these people were lined up before the pantry opened up just to get a bag of groceries – and I just thought: In America? The richest country in the world? Seeing those lines of people, the seniors and children – wow. That haunts me.”

“Feeding children,” he says, “helping the poor, the disadvantaged, the marginalized….I was thrilled when our church opened its doors to the Food Pantry…. Good people coming together to help people in need. Holy cow! What’s not to like about that?”

At a time when government agencies find that food insecurity is on the rise, with one in four American children living in a house without sufficient food, we are very grateful to Bob and all the Hunger Walk participants, our regular volunteers, our staff, our Board members, and all the people in Oak Park and River Forest who donate time and funds whenever they can – it’s because of them that we’re able to do just what Bob says: Help people in need.

Feinstein Challenge Results Grow 45% in 2010! | OPRF Food Pantry

Feinstein Challenge Results Grow 45% in 2010!

Jun 29, 2010

Willard Elementary School and Fenwick High School gather most food in the OPRF Food Pantry’s Feinstein Challenge!

Every year Rhode Island philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein launches the Feinstein Challenge, an annual campaign geared toward encouraging local communities toward greater involvement with their food pantries.

A dedicated drive is held in March and April, and once all the cans, boxes, and checks are counted, Feinstein divides $1 million dollars proportionately among participating agencies, according to the totals each achieved during its drive.

In order to reach the maximum number of local families, the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry turned to area schools, asking them to “help the Pantry’s light shine brighter and stronger for the many people who seek emergency food.” Each school took to the task enthusiastically, with Girl Scout Troops, Student Councils, and even a Track and Field team leading the efforts.

And not surprisingly, the schools really came through, helping the Food Pantry collect nearly 22,000 food items. The lead schools were Oak Park’s Fenwick High School, with 1,920 items, and River Forest’s Willard Elementary, with 2,369.

Willard’s final count would have been impressive regardless, but one family, the Feracotas, gave it a significant bump when they decided to turn Gary Feracota’s 50th birthday party into a food drive – gathering some 1,000 food items in the process. Interestingly, the Fercotas had never been particularly involved with the food pantry in the past, beyond contributing to the occasional drive. “We just wanted to have a party,” reports Gary’s wife, Patti, “and we requested that people not bring gifts… but rather ten food items, and we were able to make that happen. I think that everyone really wants to do good, and if you just give them a channel, they just really rise to the occasion.”

We are grateful to the Feracotas, but the OPRF Food Pantry is equally grateful to every schoolkid, mom, dad, teacher, or principal who brought in a can, a bag, or a box. All donations from schools, congregations, groups and individuals totaled 21,618 items! This represents a 45% increase from last year’s Feinstein food drive.

The Pantry works to meet the most basic needs of our neighbors – and we couldn’t do it, if we didn’t have the community behind us every step of the way.

The next way to get involved in helping the Pantry is to join or donate to the Pantry’s Hunger Walk team!! See www.oprffoodpantry.org.

Kathy Russell, Executive Director, Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry

Please visit our Publications Section for a complete list of 2010 Feinstein Challenge Donors: Thank You Donors!

VIDEO: How the Hunger Walk Can Impact the Community | OPRF Food Pantry

VIDEO: How the Hunger Walk Can Impact the Community

Jun 17, 2010

In this video, Kathy Russell, executive director of the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, talks about the need in the community, and how the Hunger Walk can help their food pantry, as well as the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s entire network of 650 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.

Pantry directors meet with Congressman Danny K. Davis | OPRF Food Pantry

Pantry directors meet with Congressman Danny K. Davis

May 4, 2010

Kathy Russell and Michele Zurakowski were in Washington DC lobbying for passage of the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act which funds school breakfast,lunches and a variety of summer food programs. Their hope is that Congress will approve spending one billion dollars each year for the next 10 years in order to reach the goal of ending child hunger in America by 2015.

USDA Increased Allotments Mean Better Nutrition for Food Pantry Clients | OPRF Food Pantry

USDA Increased Allotments Mean Better Nutrition for Food Pantry Clients

May 4, 2010

When you are hungry in Illinois, where do you turn? For over 11,000 families in the Oak Park and River Forest (OPRF) area, that place of sustenance is the OPRF Food Pantry. As part of the Illinois Emergency Food Assistance Program, OPRF Food Pantry steps in to feed local families in their time of crisis. Like most member agencies, we provide families with an emergency ration of food, striving to supply enough for three days worth of meals.

In 2009, we set a goal of boosting the nutritional make-up of the food we provide. Specifically, we committed to including two dairy products and two frozen meat products to all families as part of their 3-day supply of food. Yet providing even that minimal amount became more and more challenging as the year progressed. By June, 2009 we had served 4961 families. For the same time period in 2008 we had served 2913 families. Could we continue to supply meat and dairy to exponentially increasing numbers of families? Not without help.

Fortunately, the USDA provided a much needed boost. In July, our allotment of USDA commodities leaped from an average of 7499 pounds to 12,137 pounds due to ARRA funds. So while we ended 2009 with a 63% increase in client visits, we also ended 2009 with a 58% increase in USDA allotments. The USDA allotment increase enabled us to continue providing quality, nutritious food to everyone in need who came to us for help. Without those extra commodities, we would have been forced to eliminate dairy and meat products in favor of less costly cans of vegetables and soup.

The extra nutrition content of our food has not been lost on our clients. One of our clients recently remarked that “it helps people in need like myself have the food I can’t afford to buy. The foods are very healthy for the body.” Another noted “I am receiving food stamps, but I find it very hard to eat three meals on less than four dollars a day.” Yet another commented that “the Pantry means a meal or no meal at all—and when you have odds and ends, the pantry helps fill in to make a meal for my family.”

We could not have afforded to continue providing significant amounts of nutritious food to all our clients in 2009 without the increase in our allotment of USDA commodities. One of our clients says it best: “Bless you and all the workers. I can sleep at night because my stomach is full.”

Paula Berg, Pantry Shift Manager Michele Zurakowski, Director of Operations Kathy Russell, Executive Director Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry www.oprffoodpantry.org February 25, 2010

Senator Don Harmon and AT&T recognize the Pantry’s exemplary work as an investment in Illinois. | OPRF Food Pantry

Senator Don Harmon and AT&T recognize the Pantry’s exemplary work as an investment in Illinois.

Apr 27, 2010

Senator Don Harmon and AT&T recognize the Pantry’s exemplary work as an investment in Illinois.

The Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry recently received a $5,000 “Investing in Illinois” award from telecommunications giant AT&T. These funds will to help the Pantry implement a new “client choice” distribution model.

Recommended for the award by State Senator Don Harmon, the funds will aid in shifting the Pantry from a system of providing clients with pre-chosen foods, to allowing personal selections from a variety of options – research shows that such a model reduces waste and increases efficiency.

AT&T Director of External Affairs Jerry Mytych presented Executive Director Kathy Russell with a check at a small ceremony held on-site; State Senator Don Harmon, who had recommended the agency for the award, was also in attendance.

Mytych spoke of his company’s commitment to giving back to the community, saying “there are many wonderful nonprofits… but you have to decide where you think we can make the biggest impact.” “If you can’t have nutrition, you can’t be healthy, you can’t find a job, you can’t help your family – so I thought, bottom line, [the pantry] was a fantastic choice.”

As volunteers continued to sort and bag food, Harmon spoke of his respect for the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry: “I’m so grateful to the food pantry for all the work they do…. The fact that [they] been so pro-active is a testament to the wisdom here.” Harmon in particular praised the agency’s collaboration with similar organizations, saying that “when you have local models of success, you have to reward them…. There are all sorts of demands on government for services but if we can’t feed people, what else matters?”

OPRF Food Pantry awarded Best Fiscal Managment | OPRF Food Pantry

OPRF Food Pantry awarded Best Fiscal Managment

Nov 5, 2009

Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) has honored Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry with its Best Fiscal Management award for 2009. Selected from hundreds of food pantries in Cook County, OPRF Food Pantry was singled out for demonstrating the most effective fiscal management program for ensuring effective operations and long-term financial stability. Reviewers commended OPRF Food Pantry for 1) clear understanding of where funding comes from and how it is spent, 2) effective and accurate recordkeeping practices, 3) ability to forecast and estimate future needs, and 4) effective process for securing appropriate funding for future needs. A $500 grant accompanied the award. Additionally, GCFD presented OPRF Food Pantry with the Quality Performance Award for the second year running.

We are honored by this recognition of our financial stewardship and are grateful to all our donors for making it possible.

Pantry Eyes Future Needs | OPRF Food Pantry

Pantry Eyes Future Needs

Nov 5, 2009

Over the course of the past 3 years, client visits to the OPRF Food Pantry have increased over 200%. And there is no sign of retreat—clients keep coming in ever-increasing numbers. By the end of September 2009, we had already served more families and individuals than we had in all of 2008. Through the generous (and often arduous) efforts of volunteers, donors, community supporters and staff, we have been able to keep up with demand. But it often feels like we are behind the 8 ball, being sent to ricochet off the bumpers in reaction to events we are not controlling. In an effort to get out in front of the action, OPRF Food Pantry staff is engaged in two important planning processes: a Client Needs Assessment and a pantry-wide Strategic Action Plan.

The first prong of our planning involves seeking data on what kinds of services clients need in order to more fully relieve their food insecurities. With monies from a Greater Chicago Food Depository grant, we have hired a consultant to craft and conduct a survey of clients to get at this information. The surveys were administered in October and early November. Data is currently being analyzed.

The second prong of the planning will incorporate the Needs Assessment data along with input from a committee of volunteers, staff, Community of Congregations’ representatives, and donors, to create a 3-year plan for OPRF Food Pantry activities. Sponsored by a grant from the OPRF Community Foundation and dedicated funds from major donors, the Strategic Action Plan will be completed in early January, in time for the Community of Congregations’ annual meeting.

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with both our community of clients and community of supporters. As we look to the future we are committed to listening to the voices of both groups. We look forward to presenting the findings of these planning processes at the annual meeting and on the web site. Look for updates in January 2010.

OPRF Food Pantry Wins Oak-Leyden President’s Award | OPRF Food Pantry

OPRF Food Pantry Wins Oak-Leyden President’s Award

Sep 24, 2009

Everyone experiences adversity in their lives at some time. OPRF Food Pantry has always acknowledged that adversity and helps others to overcome it. In working to achieve our organization’s mission, however, we were enlightened by a group of Oak-Leyden participants whose individual challenges did not preclude them from seeking the opportunity to help others.

During the summer of 2008, an Oak-Leyden staff member noted a posting seeking volunteers to help out at our food pantry. Always on the lookout for opportunities that will help Oak-Leyden participants develop skills that will help them live more independently, the staff member contacted OPRF Food Pantry to inquire of volunteer activities for participants in the Developmental Training Program. In September of 2008, participants, accompanied by staff, reported as requested to work at the Food Pantry.

Initially, Food Pantry staff were unsure about the Oak-Leyden volunteers’ abilities to perform tasks at the Pantry. Our skepticism was soon quelled as Oak-Leyden participants stepped up to the challenge, unloading thousands of pounds of food from delivery trucks and helping to organize and shelve it all. Paired with experienced volunteers or staff, the Oak-Leyden participants impressed everyone with their hard work and good cheer. We found that deliveries were completed more rapidly and all the cardboard boxes were broken down with no complaints! Since that time we have come to rely on the Developmental Training participants at our food deliveries each week. Up to 60 Oak-Leyden participants volunteer monthly, giving back to their community while developing skills that will help them to gain community employment and to live as independently as possible.

After working directly with Oak-Leyden participants, Pantry staff and volunteers have developed a new appreciation for people with developmental disabilities and their warmth, willingness, and dedication to their work. We feel honored by all the efforts Oak-Leyden Developmental Training Participants have spent on our behalf. Evidently the feeling is mutual. This August, OPRF Food Pantry was presented with Oak-Leyden’s President’s Award. In presenting the award, Oak-Leyden summed up why they chose OPRF Food Pantry to receive it:

“The Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry has set the example for other organizations and employers to open their hearts and minds to what people with developmental disabilities can contribute to their communities. Perhaps Robert Louis Stevenson said it more succinctly - “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” On behalf of Oak-Leyden Developmental Services, I would like to present The President’s Award to the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry for their outstanding contribution to Oak-Leyden’s mission – helping people with developmental disabilities meet life’s challenges and reach their highest potential.”

Fienstein Challenge Galvanizes Local School Kids | OPRF Food Pantry

Fienstein Challenge Galvanizes Local School Kids

Sep 24, 2009

“No one has yet fully realized the wealth of sympathy, kindness and generosity hidden in the soul of a child.” —Emma Goldman

What’s up with kids these days? Usually that question is followed by a roll of the eyes and a shake of the head. But at the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, we ask in true wonder: What makes them so generous? What motivates them to help others so? Could it be that you just have to ask them and their lights will shine?

Each year, the OPRF Food Pantry participates in the Feinstein Challenge, competing with other pantries across the country for a portion of Alan Feinstein’s one million dollars. The amount we receive is based on how much food and cash we can raise in the months of March and April.

This year our Challenge was jump-started by an extraordinary volunteer, Susan Lucci. It was Susan who got the kids involved. She contacted all the schools—public and private—in Oak Park and River Forest and asked them to participate in food drives. We were all stunned by the results. Ten schools took on the Challenge, raising a total of $14, 916 in cash and food items. (Each food item counts as one dollar.) That’s 50% more food than we collected from ALL sources during last year’s Challenge.

The schools collecting the most items were Fenwick High School with 2300 and Lincoln School (River Forest) with 1348. Congratulations to the winners! We’d also like to thank all the other participating schools: Ascension, Hatch, Holmes, Longfellow, Mann, Whittier, Willard and Roosevelt.

Mostly, we want to thank the wonderful members of this community for raising such thoughtful children. And to those of you who donated food and funds—whether as parents or not—we couldn’t have done it without you. In all, our cash and food donations topped last year’s by 123%. Congratulations and thank-you to all!

No Agency is an Island | OPRF Food Pantry

No Agency is an Island

Sep 10, 2009

Partnering with West Suburban PADS, OPRF Food Pantry has secured the services of a part-time AmeriCorp Benefits Coordinator for three years. While only a minority of OPRF Food Pantry clients are homeless, many share some common barriers to employment and self sufficiency, including lack of education and job skills, substance abuse, or mental and physical health issues. Collaborating with PADS to address common needs made sense.

Beginning this October, the Benefits Coordinator will address one of our clients’ most pressing needs: navigating the web of public benefits and private resources that are available, but often not utilized, by those who need them most. Among the benefits the coordinator will help clients secure are Food Stamps, Public Aid and Social Security. Clients will also be assisted with accessing veterans’ benefits, home heating/cooling assistance programs, mental health services, and other health-related programs. Working half-time at the OPRF Food Pantry, the Benefits Coordinator will work individually with our clients on an as-needed basis.

The Benefits Coordinator will also work with West Suburban PADS clients and with PADS staff to coordinate information and services. In a key position to provide referrals to PADS Emergency Shelter and Support Center, the Benefits Coordinator will be instrumental in helping to identify potential clients for PADS “Career Passport” program—-a career development program which uses a therapeutic or clinical approach to end chronic joblessness and thus poverty.

OPRF Food Pantry is indebted to West Suburban PADS for their leadership in securing this grant, and to the Corporation for National and Community Service for funding this important initiative.

More than a Bag of Food:  Advocating for the Hungry | OPRF Food Pantry

More than a Bag of Food:  Advocating for the Hungry

Mar 17, 2009

Hunger is not some abstract thing that happens “out there.” It is getting harder and harder for families right here in our community to make ends meet. Client visits to the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry in January and February, 2009 were up 79% from 2008 levels in those months. But thanks to an awesomely responsive community, we have been able to keep up with this staggering increase. Volunteers have put in more hours, grocers have given us their slightly blemished produce, community members and businesses have run food drives, and checks keep coming in to our mailbox. Together we have made it possible to continue giving out generous bags of nutritious food to all qualifying neighbors who seek our help.

But in the face of sky-rocketing need, we have to ask ourselves, is there something more than procuring and distributing food that we can do to provide hunger relief? The answer, of course, is yes. We can do more by using our voice and our skills to advocate on behalf of the hungry. Towards that end OPRF Food Pantry staff has begun participating in Food Stamp outreach with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD). GCFD staffers screen Pantry clients on site for Food Stamp benefits. If eligible, the staff member helps the client complete an application for Food Stamps, thus allowing many hungry folks to access this vital federal program designed to assist in hunger relief.

Pantry Managers have begun communicating regularly with elected state officials informing them of the number of constituents being served by the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry. We will host elected officials at the Pantry in early April for an on-site demonstration of the services we provide.

In February, Pantry Operations Managers participated in a Lobby Day in Springfield organized by the Illinois Food Bank Association. During this daylong event, the managers met with several state senators and representatives asking them to be co-sponsors of the Illinois “Food for Families Program” (Senate Bill 2182). This bill will provide 1) quality, nutritious food to families in need, 2) fresh fruits and vegetables, 3) food for mobile pantries, and 4) food stamp outreach. What a sense of accomplishment we felt when we were admitted to senators’ offices, were able to call a representative out of session to discuss the bill, and received several promises of co-sponsorship!

The Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry will continue to provide not only food, but a voice for hungry individuals and families in Oak Park and surrounding communities in the coming year. We invite you to join us in enacting our mission: working together to provide hunger relief in our community.

Want to help? You can advocate on behalf of the hungry in Illinois with a simple phone call. Contact your state senator and representative, and ask him/her to support the Illinois “Food for Families Program.” To find your representative’s name and contact info, go to www.chicagosfoodbank.org and click on the Advocate button.

Cool Deal for National Day of Service | OPRF Food Pantry

Cool Deal for National Day of Service

Jan 21, 2009

Baby, it’s cold outside. Really cold. Time to pick up some long underwear. Which got us thinking about those who couldn’t afford to buy any. So the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry and the Walk-In Ministry, together with the help of a group of local grassroots Obama supporters devoted to change, coordinated a special collection of food, cash, and long johns. The event was held at the pantry in conjunction with the National Day of Service.

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 19, Feeding America joined with President-elect Barack Obama in calling hunger advocates to service to help re-ignite the nation’s spirit of volunteerism and community service. He invited all Americans to join him in a National Day of Service, “Renewing America Together.”

Our Long John event was a true community endeavor with over 100 volunteers and donors participating. In all we raised over $1500, 40 bags of food, and over 100 pieces of long underwear. And as a sweet reward, those who made a donation received a free long john pastry, courtesy of the Dunkin’ Donuts located at 6820 W. Roosevelt in Oak Park. ,

Food banks across America are reporting a 30 percent increase in requests for emergency food assistance, according to a new survey conducted by Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief organization. Here at the OPRF Food Pantry, our client visits grew 37% last year. We are grateful for all who participated in the Long John event, but especially to the grass-roots group for forming to plan, advertise and run the event. We’re sure this is exactly what the President had in mind when he called on us all to serve. Thank you all!

Food Pantry Shatters Attendance Records | OPRF Food Pantry

Food Pantry Shatters Attendance Records

Dec 10, 2008

We knew the worsening economy would impact the OPRF Food Pantry. We just didn’t know how much. All year, our numbers had been climbing anyway. By the end of September we were serving 34% more families than we had seen through September of 2007. But when the bottom fell out of the economy in late October the impact was instantaneous. In November, the Food Pantry served a record 788 families representing 2806 individuals. (In comparison, November 2007 saw 390 families served.)

The good news is that we have been able to provide each of those families with good, nutritious food to help tide them over in their time of need. As always during the holiday season, our community dug deeply to give to their less fortunate neighbors.

Several schools ran food drives to help supply us with canned goods. We’d like to thank Concordia’s Student Athletic Advisory Council, St. Edmunds Elementary School, William Beye Elementary School, and OPRF Special Education students for their kindness and generosity.

Community businesses came up with creative ways to help stock our shelves. Well Adjusted World Chiropractic offered free adjustments to those who brought in 5 items of holiday food. Fly Bird offered 10% off all purchases with a food donation. Not content to stop there, Fly Bird recruited the entire Avenue Business district to join in a week-end food drive with their own specials. The YMCA also ran a food drive throughout December, bringing in hundreds of food items.

While canned food drives are a staple of the pantry business, nothing goes further towards feeding the hungry than cash donations. The OPRF Youth Football League asked each member family to donate one dollar during the play-off games. That $200 allowed us to purchase nearly 1500 cans of spaghetti sauce!

Children and adults, youth groups and seniors—together we can continue to meet the needs of our hungry neighbors.

If you’d like to donate, surf on over to our Donations page and use PayPal to make your donation with just a click. Or if you prefer, send a check to OPRF Food Pantry, PO Box 3365, Oak Park, IL 60303.

400 Turkeys Fly Out Our Door | OPRF Food Pantry

400 Turkeys Fly Out Our Door

Dec 10, 2008

Our sign noted turkeys would be handed out at 4:00, but Mardelt Coley wanted to make sure one of them went home with her. So she came to the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry at 11:00 to be first in line. Mardelt and a few other hearty, patient souls did more than just wait. They eagerly chipped in to help set up the 150-person waiting area and even helped carry in an unexpected large donation from local William Beye Elementary School.

We were thrilled to hand out 400 turkeys to pantry clients this year. Last year, we could only manage 40. But increased community awareness of need, coupled with more detailed strategic planning, has meant the OPRF Food Pantry had more funds for purchasing food in 2008. It couldn’t have come at a better time. The recent economic downturn has resulted in a burgeoning number of families seeking assistance at the pantry. This November, the pantry saw a 100% increase in visits over November 2007.

We were so pleased with the results of the Great Turkey Give Away that we will distribute even more Holiday Hams in December.

Girl Scout Food Drive Nets 40,000 lbs! | OPRF Food Pantry

Girl Scout Food Drive Nets 40,000 lbs!

Oct 30, 2008

Five shopping carts overflowing with canned soup. Three 64-gallon bins full of boxed pasta. Enough boxes of macaroni and cheese to fill a 6-ft tall cabinet. These are just some of the riches donated to the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry thanks to the Girl Scout Food Drive on Oct. 18th. In all, fifty troops from Vista 9 Girl Scouts in Oak Park and River Forest collected approximately 40,000 lbs of food. A record amount collected, the food is sorely needed to help feed the increasing numbers of families depending on the OPRF Food Pantry. In addition to traditional fare, several savvy donors contributed cash to the food drive, totaling $240.00. (Cash is extra helpful to the food pantry because we can use it to purchase items from the Greater Chicago Food Depository for an average of 17 cents per pound.) Our clients are thrilled to once again have some of the extra special foods their neighbors share. The pantry can’t afford to buy Thin Mints, of course, but we got many boxes from this food drive to pass on.

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To all the girl scouts who hung door knob reminders, schlepped food to the pantry, and helped sort endless bags of food, we are endlessly grateful. All the parents who drove the girls and their food (and also helped sort it) deserve thanks for giving up a lovely Saturday afternoon in the service of others. A special shout out to Lisa Files for organizing the entire Girl Scout Food Drive effort. And of course our loyal pantry volunteers came through once again to help find a place for more food than any of us could imagine. Mostly, we’d like to thank all those who generously emptied their own cupboards so that others could have a full one. You are the heart of Oak Park and River Forest.

Food Pantry named “Most Outstanding Agency” | OPRF Food Pantry

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.

Hunger Walk Raises $2533 | OPRF Food Pantry

Hunger Walk Raises $2533

Sep 18, 2008

Sunshine, cool temps, gorgeous views of Lake Michigan and a free ride to Montrose Harbor all made June 14th an idyllic day for a walk. When that walk ended up raising over $2500 for the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, the day got even better. While the Greater Chicago Food Depository has been sponsoring this fundraiser for years, 2008 marked the first time the OPRF Food Pantry participated. Interest was so high that the Pantry chartered a school bus to drive the volunteers to and from Montrose Harbor. Kids and adults alike recruited sponsors from among their friends, families and co-workers. Walkers were well provided for with water, apples, granola bars and entertainment. The Jesse White tumblers and face painting were particular favorites with our younger walkers.

Thanks to all the walkers and to the GCFD for making this such a wonderful event. Watch this site next spring for details on the 2009 Hunger Walk. We will be back!

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Within Your Reach “Girls’ Night Out” donates $960 | OPRF Food Pantry

Within Your Reach “Girls’ Night Out” donates $960

Jul 27, 2008

Within Your Reach is mainly a business dedicating to helping people get their closets organized. But on June 19th, they just decided to have a good time, and give back to the community while they were at it, with a Girls Night Out. Within Your Reach’s “Girls Night Out” was co-sponsored by Marion Street Cheese and Wine Market—with all the proceeds going to the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry. Over 100 participants enjoyed tastings of cheese and wine as well as manicures, massages and advise from personal stylists. By the end of the night, Within Your Reach had raised $960 to donate to the Pantry!

Debbie Figel, Office/Marketing co-Manager, was thrilled with the results. “We were hoping to maybe raise $500,” she confessed. “When we did the final count, we were just blown away!” Figel presented the check to a beaming Kathy Russell, OPRF Food Pantry Operations Manager, during a distribution of food to clients.

A $500 certificate to Within Your Reach was raffled off and won by Melissa Budak from LaGrange. Within Your Reach co-owner, Stacy Schuler Wettstein, presented the certificate to Budak.

Within Your Reach Office/Marketing co-Manager Laura Reardon was the person who decided to donate the proceeds to the Pantry. Thanks, Laura! She can be contacted at laura@orgwithinreach.com. For more information on Within Your Reach, check out their website Within Your Reach

Check back next year to find out about Girls Night Out 2009!

1st Pres Church “Ready, Set, Go” Kids Collect 1,023 Food Items! | OPRF Food Pantry

1st Pres Church “Ready, Set, Go” Kids Collect 1,023 Food Items!

Jul 27, 2008

Each year, the 1st Presbyterian Church of River Forest hosts a summer camp for incoming 5th-7th graders called “Ready, Set, Go.” This year’s camp served 125 kids with a staff of 25 high school students and adults. Run like a day-camp for one week, “Ready, Set, Go” combines mornings of singing, Bible study and small-group time with afternoon trips around the Chicago area (Kiddieland, Vertical Endeavors, a water park, Enchanted Castle). On Wednesday the camp holds a Service Day. This year, the campers held a car wash at the church to raise funds for the High School Mission trip to Mexico. They also held their anual food drive for the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry. This is an unusual food drive in that the campers go out in groups in the neighborhood surrounding the church requesting non-perishable goods to be donated to the food pantry. This year campers collected 1,023 items, an increase from last year’s donation of 777 items.

The Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry is delighted with the efforts of these young philanthropists. One of the benefits of food drives is the wonderful variety of food that comes to the pantry. While we can stock traditional, nutritional food for our clients, food drives bring special items we just can’t buy: specialty ethnic foods, organic cereal, and gourmet sauces are all treats our clients are thrilled to take home. Thank you “Ready, Set, Go” and all those in the neighborhood of 1st Presbyterian Church of River Forest who donted to their cause!

If your group would like to sponsor a food drive, contact michele@oprffoodpantry.org for tips on succesful drives.

Donations to Feinstein Food Pantry Challenge up 37% | OPRF Food Pantry

Donations to Feinstein Food Pantry Challenge up 37%

May 14, 2008

We’re almost afraid to look at an increased percentage rate these days. The US Department of Labor tells us the cost of milk is up 26% and eggs are up 40%. Let’s not even talk about gasoline. But a recent leap in percentage points had us singing with joy at the Oak Park-River Forest Food Pantry. Donations of food and money during the Feinstein Challenge in March and April 2008 were up a combined 37% over last year!

Once again, generous Oak Park and River Forest families, congregations and civic clubs stepped forward to help us garner a piece of the Feinstein Challenge. Together you blessed us with $22,190 in cash donations, up from $14,668 in 2007—a 50% increase in money we can use to buy food and supplies for our hungry neighbors. Because we can purchase most of our supplies for about seven cents per pound, that money will make a truly significant dent in hunger in our community. And that’s not all.

Children at 5 local schools decided to participate in a “School Challenge” by running food drives. We would like to thank the children (and their adults) from Ascension Brownies, Brooks Middle School, Hatch Elementary and Roosevelt Middle School for collecting over 800 items of food. A special thank you goes out to Holmes Elementary School in Oak Park for winning the challenge with their collection of 682 food items.

A total of 10,168 items were donated through schools, congregations and individuals. For the Feinstein Challenge, each item counts as one dollar, so our total donations during this drive came to a staggering $32,358. (The total is 2007 was $23,633)

While the Feinstein Challenge is not a matching grant (the million dollar grant is divided proportionately among participating hunger relief organizations), it serves as a wonderful way to raise awareness of local hunger relief efforts and the needs in our community. We would like to thank the Feinstein Foundation for providing the impetus for this fund drive.

Mostly, we want to thank each of the people—whether as members of an organization or as individuals—who decided to do without a cup of coffee, a meal out, or even a remodeling project so that people in our community could receive sustenance. Thank you wonderful, dear friends for enacting the spirit of generosity!

Michele Zurakowski and Kathy Russell
Operations Managers, OPRF Food Pantry

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