'Good Neighbors Summer Bash' Kicks Off New Food Drive Program For Northfield Township Pantry

GLENVIEW, IL — Serving as a "festive launch" of its new Good Neighbors program, the Northfield Township Food Pantry is holding a family-friendly celebration this weekend. The event, called "Good Neighbors Summer Bash," will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at Josh's Hot Dogs, 873 Sanders Road, which is co-hosting with Culver's of Northbrook.

According to organizers, the Good Neighbors Program encourages homeowner associations to host self-sustaining food drives during the months when pantry donations are typically at their lowest —particularly February, March, and the summer months.

"The Summer Bash is more than just a fun community event," said Shiva Mohsenzadeh, board president of the Northfield Township Food Pantry. "It's a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors and a catalyst for the new Good Neighbors Program, which we hope will inspire more HOAs to join our mission. Food drives organized within communities—where collection bins and logistics are already in place — help keep our shelves stocked when donations are traditionally at their lowest. That consistency can make a tremendous difference for the families we serve."

Northfield Township, which is celebrating 175 years this year, operates one of the busiest food pantries in the area. Earlier this year, Patch reported about a campaign to raise $1.5 million to held fund the building of a new, state-of-the-art facility for the food pantry at 2550 Waukegan Road in Glenview. The pantry serves more than 1,000 local families in Glenview, Northbrook and Northfield.

RELATED: Northfield Township Marks 175 Years, Unveils New Food Pantry

Attendees at the Summer Bash who bring three or more non-perishable food items will receive a free hamburger or hot dog meal, courtesy of Josh's Hot Dogs and Culver's. Those who bring six or more items will also be entered into a raffle for a Josh's Hot Dogs gift card. Guests will enjoy live cover music from Sully Lyons, a junior at Glenbrook North High School, as well as games and good cheer.

"At Josh’s Hot Dogs, we believe no one should ever have to worry about where their next meal
is coming from," Josh Kaplan, owner of Josh's Hot Dogs, said. "Partnering with the Northfield
Township Food Pantry for the Summer Bash is our way of giving back to the community that's
supported us all these years."

The Good Neighbors Program was developed in response to increasing local food insecurity. Since 2020, the Northfield Township Food Pantry has seen a 500-family increase in clients served, now assisting nearly 1,100 local families. While holiday months often bring abundant donations, demand persists year-round.

The program makes it easy for HOAs to participate by assigning each community a specific month, according to Northfield Township. The Pantry provides collection bins, promotional materials, and instructions, making it simple for neighbors to support one another throughout the year.

For more information about the Good Neighbors Program, how your HOA can get involved, or to volunteer with the Pantry, contact Roxanne Dunn at roxanne.dunn@northfieldtownship.com or visit www.northfieldtownship.com.