THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEEK OF MAY 4, 2008
Seeking Extra Help
By TOM ROBB
Journal Reporter
As food and fuel costs continue their meteoric rise, the Northfield Township Food Pantry is seeing a substantial increase in requests for help.
Community Coordinator Gayle Zalatoris said since last December the food pantry has seen a steady increase in demand each month by an average of about 40 families who are using the pantry.
A family of five receives four bags of groceries, other bread and perishable foods and a $20 grocery card from Dominick's.
Zalatoris said demand spiked in December when 321 families came in for food.
The pantry, located at 3801 W. Lake Avenue, served 297 households---or 953 people---last March and April is in line to top out at almost 300 families served.
The increase is up from 258 families last year in March.
In a familiar refrain heard at food pantries throughout the North and Northwest suburbs, Zelatoris said demand typically tapers off in the spring as construction and landscaping jobs become more plentiful. Zelatoris said that has not been the case this spring.
Zelatoris said the community has helped the pantry keep up with demand.
"I continue to be amazed by the generosity of the community," said Zelatoris.
She said the pantry receives regular donations of bread from the Dominick's in The Glen, Gladstone Bakery North in Glenview, Panera Bread in Deerfield and the Whole Foods in Northbrook. Sunset Foods in Northbrook also regularly places donation boxes at their stores for canned good donations for the pantry.
She said the pantry works closely with St. Philip's Lutheran Church, located across the street from the pantry.
St. Philip's serves a hot meal to anyone in need on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. St. Philip's also gives clothing to those in need.
Zelatoris said the pantry is regularly helped by a large number of area churches, Congregation Beth Shalom, Cub and Boy Scout troops and others.
She said whenever the pantry puts out a call, as they did last month for more food, the community steps up.
To receive help from the food pantry "clients" must meet a few guidelines.
Families or individuals must live in Northfield Township. Their income must be no more than twice the state poverty level.
Currently, a family of five with a combined income of $44,641 per year or $3,721 per month qualifies to receive aid. An individual who makes $18,883 per year or $1,575 per year would also qualify.