Financial Strain Forces Lemont Food Pantries to Reduce Monthly Vouchers

Over the past few years, the demand for financial assistance in the Lemont area has soared to record highs, and local food pantries have struggled to keep up.

In 2010, about 80 Township-approved households were frequenting the food pantries at  and each month. Today there are more than 100 households that qualify for assistance.

"The recession and the increase in cost for things like food and gas has really put a strain on some of these families, and in turn the Lemont Food Pantries," said Terri O'Neill-Borders, founder of the Hope and Friendship Foundation and director of community/human services for .

Families who qualify for assistance are able to visit both pantries once each month. They are also given a voucher to purchase fresh food—such as fruit, vegetables, milk, eggs and bread—at , 1100 State St.

The voucher allotment ranges from $65 for a single household to $105 for a family of five or more, meaning the pantries distribute more than $9,000 each month, O'Neill-Borders said.

However, the increased demand for assistance and subsequent financial strain has forced the food pantries to reduce the vouchers by $10 as of April 1.

"The pantries have been doing the best they can to keep up not only with the non-perishable foods, but also the voucher fund. Unfortunately, the strain has been too great to keep up," O'Neill-Borders said.

At Bethany Lutheran Church, food pantry volunteer Lori Olkiewicz has already seen the effects of the reduction.

"We had a family come in at the beginning of the month and it was devastating for them," she said. "Ten dollars doesn't seem like a lot when you're able to afford food, but for these families it's the only way they can buy milk and produce. It's a big loss."

Olkiewicz said the pantries are fortunate to receive donations from residents and community organizations throughout the year. However, they still have difficulty keeping the shelves stocked.

"We had a great holiday season with plenty of donations, but now we're getting ready for summer when school is out and many of the organizations aren't meeting as much," she said. "These are the times we really need support, not just with food but funds to keep the vouchers going."

This spring, Lemont Township will partner with several local businesses to raise money for the voucher fund.

Throughout the month of April, , 308 Canal St., will participate in "Fill the Vault to Fill the Vouchers." The downtown Lemont bar and restaurant will donate 10 percent of their sales for any Monday or Tuesday in April, so long as a church or organization sponsors the day.

"The Vault has graciously offered to help us out, so now we're looking for groups who can commit to filling the restaurant with as many people as possible on a Monday or Tuesday," O'Neill-Borders said.

Vault co-owner Jim Sulemani said he and his brothers "were more than happy" to support the voucher fund.

"We were raised to always do good things for others, so we want to give back to the community when we can," he said.

On April 26, John and Carrie Yi, owners of , will donate 10 percent of the evening's proceeds and all tips to the Lemont Food Pantries' voucher fund.

Lemont Police Sgt. Therese Thompson will serve as guest sushi chef, while local dentist Jennifer Splitt-Krull serves drinks at the bar.

The event will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Kitaro, 1224 State St., with karaoke to follow.

"We're extremely grateful to have such generous local businesses and community members who are willing to donate their time to this cause," O'Neill-Borders said.

Direct donations to the Lemont Food Pantries can be made payable to the "Lemont Food Pantry Voucher Fund" and sent to Lemont Township c/o Terri O-Neill-Borders at 1115 Warner Ave. in Lemont (60439). 

For more information on the fundraisers or how to donate to the voucher fund, call O-Neill-Borders at 630-257-2522 or email terri-oneill@lemonttownship.org.

Items Needed at the Lemont Food Pantries

Interested in donating non-perishable food items to the Lemont Food Pantries? Needed items include: boxed meals (i.e. Hamburger Helper), canned spaghetti, canned meats, cake and brownie mixes, frosting, cans and jars of fruit, snack cups (i.e. pudding and apple sauce), Pop Tarts, granola bars, microwave popcorn, tea bags, salad dressing, condiments, peanut butter, jelly, marshmallow fluff, jars of cheese, salsa and spreads, and Velveeta.

Other needs include laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, napkins, personal care items, and cleaning items.

Items may be dropped off at Lemont Township, Lemont United Methodist Church (25 Custer St.) or Bethany Lutheran (500 Lemont St.).

Other Opportunities to Give Back

Giving the Gift of Spring Cleaning

The Hope and Friendship Foundation is collecting cleaning and personal care products for the families who rely on the Lemont Food Pantries.

Items needed include laundry detergent, toilet paper, shampoo, soap and household cleaning supplies. 

Drop boxes are located at the Lemont Township office, 1115 Warner Ave.; the , 14600 127th St.; , 1100 State St.; and , 1251 State St.

All donations must be made by Sunday, April 22.

Neighbor-to-Neighbor Vendor Market

The annual Neighbor-to-Neighbor Vendor Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at the , 16300 Alba St.

Independent vendors will be on hand with free trade items, jewelry, cosmetics, crafts, health foods, purses and accessories.

All vendor reservation fees and donations benefit the Lemont Township Family Assistance Fund.

Vendors must reserve their spot by Friday, April 20. For more information, contact Terri O'Neill-Borders at terri-oneill@lemonttownship.org.