State Rep. Encourages Food Pantry Support After Thefts Disable Food Delivery Trucks

BOLINGBROOK, IL — State Rep. Natalie Manley is encouraging support of Bolingbrook's 4 KIDS Sake Food Pantry, after a theft of catalytic converters crippled the pantry's ability to deliver food to 700 families weekly, according to a news release.

Manley recently visited the pantry to raise awareness of the vital need for funds.

The nonprofit, at 300 Remington Blvd., relies heavily on two trucks for daily pickups of fresh produce, dairy, and meat from local stores like Mariano’s, Costco, Jewel, and Shop and Save, a release said. Last week, catalytic converters were stolen from both trucks, creating immense logistical challenges, forcing the pantry to turn away many food donations.

The estimated cost of repairs for the two trucks is nearly $20,000, with each catalytic converter replacement costing around $6,000, according to Manley's office. One of the trucks was a one-year-old vehicle acquired through a grant.

As a stop-gap measure, the pantry is renting one box truck with a lift gate at a cost of $400 per day. With their insurance only covering $100 per day for rentals, 4 KIDS Sake is facing a daily shortfall of $300.

"Additionally, federal defunding of the Northern Illinois Food Bank has both reduced supply and made pickup locations further away, making the trucks a vital need to feed these families each week," a release from Manley's office states.

"The theft of catalytic converters from 4 KIDS Sake's trucks is a devastating blow to our community," said Manley. "This pantry is a lifeline for so many, and to see their vital operations disrupted by such a callous act is truly disheartening. There is a need for food pantries to serve people regardless of their status and regardless of their lives, and 4 KIDS Sake exemplifies this commitment."

4 KIDS Sake has a website where more information is available about helping cover costs of repairs. The public can visit https://www.4-kidssake.org/.

The nonprofit opened in 2019 in Bolingbrook. It started by serving around 80 families per week, and serving up to 1,200 families weekly during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

"4 KIDS Sake is a testament to the power of community and compassion," Manley added. "They are providing essential services to our most vulnerable neighbors. We must ensure they can continue their vital work. Every bit of support makes a difference."