'Today We Cut A Ribbon Not Just On A Building, But On Hope'

(The following edited press release is from Isabel Gloria, media specialist for Joliet Township Government.)

JOLIET, IL – Joliet Township hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday for the newly renovated Forest Park Community Center Food Pantry, located at 1017 Woodruff Road.

Plans are underway to open the food pantry in May to address food insecurity in the area. The new food pantry will be accessible to all residents by filling out an application. Micro pantries are already available at the Township’s administrative office and the Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center.

The Forest Park neighborhood is home to nearly 3,000 residents, over a quarter of whom are children. With a poverty rate 1.5 times higher than Joliet’s, it is estimated that 1,758 individuals will benefit from the pantry’s services. A majority of local residents are expected to qualify for the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which provides emergency food to those with low incomes

According to United Way’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data, 37 percent of households in Illinois are below the ALICE threshold, further highlighting the need for food security services in the community.

“Our community has a real and growing need for food access. Too many of our neighbors are facing food insecurity, and opening this food pantry became not just a goal but a responsibility,” said Supervisor Alicia Morales. “Today we cut a ribbon not just on a building, but on hope, on dignity, and on the belief that when we invest in our community, we all rise. This space represents so much more than food on shelves. It represents care and neighbors refusing to let one another go hungry in silence.”

In addition to Joliet Township Government Supervisor Alicia Morales, elected officials in attendance at the ribbon cutting included City of Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy, City Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, Senator Rachel Ventura, Plainfield Township Clerk-Elect David Lozano, District 86 At-Large Board Member Sandra Aguirre, Joliet Township Clerk Estefany Bonilla, and Joliet Township Trustees Tanya Arias and Antione J. Edwards.