Pantry Pulse: Annual Report FY2016
Thank You For A Great Year
At first it was a puzzle. How can the Census Bureau claim a 12% drop in the number of Americans struggling with hunger, when we actually served more people last year? We began the year convinced that hunger lurks in pockets throughout our community....
Beyond The Basement
In FY2016 we went beyond the basement to alleviate pockets of hunger in our community through the addition and expansion of our programs and services.
Improving Food Quality & Quantity
In FY2016 we improved both the quality and quantity of food distributed to nearly 16,000 families.
Thanks to our Food Donors in FY2016
The Food Pantry gratefully acknowledges the generosity of it's donors. 56% of food distributed comes from donors, including our rescue partners, TANF, USDA, FEMA, and individual donors.
An Apple A Day Helps Keep Hunger At Bay
Every Thursday evening, Cluster Tutoring meets at First United Church in Oak Park for one-on-one tutoring sessions. When the program asked if the Food Pantry could offer something to snack on, a collaboration between the organizations was born...
We Gratefully Acknowledge our Monetary Donors
We are exceedingly grateful for all of those who made monetary gifts during FY2016. For every $1 given, we are able to purchase enough food to make 3 meals.
The Pantry's Secret Weapon to Fighting Hunger? Kids
At Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, volunteers and donors work together every day to fight hunger in our community. What you might not know is how much of the work we do is "Kid-powered."
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
If you've seen the '80's sitcom "Cheers" you know that taking a break around friends can mean a lot. And for Bernette Baymon, taking a break means stopping by the Food Pantry where she has made plenty of friends.
"Vulnerable Populations" No Stranger to Food Pantry
86% of households that come to the Food Pantry for help include at least one member who is a senior, child, or disabled. These "vulnerable populations" are at greater risk-of food insecurity.
Sharing A Smile
For more than 6 years, Darlene Smith's smile has welcomed clients at the Food Pantry just about every Wednesday afternoon. Sitting at the sign-in table, Darlene has registered thousands of Pantry clients for services -- and watched the Pantry itself grow and evolve.
Financial Report
Did you know that 86% of our funds go directly to programing costs? View our 2016 financial report highlights.
Thanks to our Event Sponsors!
We are grateful for the following sponsors of our 2016 Annual Concerts, this year featuring Jason Isbell.
Want to continue the work we're doing? Make a donation