Despite the difficulties of this past year, people have found new ways to give hope to their communities. Recently, some of HBAGC’s members went out of their way to dedicate their time and energy to volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository
The Greater Chicago Food Depository “is part of a united community effort working to bring food, dignity and hope to (their) Cook County neighbors. (They) act as the hub for a network of more than 700 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other programs. These programs provide food where it’s most needed.”
The food that volunteers pack benefits hundreds of food assistance programs across Cook County, including the Northwestern Settlement food pantry in West Town. Before COVID-19, the pantry used to serve about 60 households each week. Now, they are open three days a week in order to serve 150 families per day.
Making an Impact
Last Thursday, our HBAGC members came alongside the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s mission of serving where help was needed. These volunteers proved to accomplish amazing deeds.
Tackling Hunger, One Volunteer at a Time
During their time, these volunteers helped prepare:
- 1,404 shelf-stable boxes
- 3,147 pounds of peppers
- 3,672 pounds of rice
- 28,759 total pounds of food
- 23,966 meals (380 meals per volunteer!)
“Teamwork makes the dream work!”
As we say to our members who join our association, “The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it.” The same can be said for the way that we care and serve our communities. With that being said, we give our gratitude and applaud the HBAGC members who represented our values of advocacy and involvement in our communities.
In response to our volunteers’ efforts last week, Luis Ramirez, the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator at Greater Chicago Food Depository, sent this message:
“Your support helps us provide food and peace of mind for individuals and families throughout Cook County. Today, you helped us make an immediate impact in your community…. Thank you again for serving today. Together we can take hunger off the table. Together we are Greater!”
Thank you HBAGC members! You rock!
More Ways to Get Involved
Are you interested in furthering the development of our community? Here are a few ways that you can get involved with the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Spread the word about volunteering
“We need volunteers aged 16 and older to help us pack food boxes for our neighbors facing hunger. If you know someone who may be interested in volunteering, please feel free to direct them to our volunteer page for more information and to sign up.”
Stay up to date with the Food Depository
“Be the first to know about our work to end hunger here in Cook County. Sign up for our email list to receive the latest news and updates from the Food Depository.”
Advocate
“The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened hunger and inequality. Help us strengthen the essential food assistance programs that are protecting individuals from hunger and ensure all Illinoisans have food on the table. Send a message to your Members of Congress.”
Donate
“Your gift will be put to use immediately to provide food for people facing hunger in our community. A donation of any amount helps us support our community.”
