As winter approaches and the coronavirus continues to spread through the city, the people at the Pilsen Food Pantry are working together to fight hunger in their community.
Through the work of the community and mutual aid, Pilsen Food Pantry has been able to receive enough donations that they had to stop accepting them. For the month of November, the pantry was able to donate hundreds of coats, 200 pairs of children's shoes and clothing to over 200 clients.
Photos from @pilsen_food_pantry on Instagram
Pilsen Food Pantry was created by the Figueroa-Wu Family in 2018 to fight the endemic hunger in Chicago. The pantry has four employees and is supported by hundreds of volunteers, of which include college and medical students, community members and youth.
The Pilsen Food Pantry offers a variety of culturally inclusive foods, perishable and non-perishable, and household items such as period products, light bulbs, and other hygiene items. Food offerings are sourced daily from Greater Chicago Food Depository, Trader Joe’s, Imperfect Produce, and Whole Foods. Occasional donations come from Hunger Resource Center, food drives, and ad hoc wholesaler arrangements. Menstrual products are donated from the Chicago Period Project (www.chicagoperiodproject.org) and local drives. During non-COVID times, the Pantry offers SNAP enrollment assistance.
In response to COVID, the Pilsen Food Pantry has introduced a delivery system for their clients that are unable to leave their houses. Individual public health projects have included food delivery and tracking of social and health outcomes.
Through donations and the work of volunteers, the Pilsen Food Pantry has graciously spread love and supported the people of Pilsen, Chicago. The selflessness and community organizing that is shown by members of this food pantry should be emulated in places around the world. The pandemic has only worsened the hunger and poverty crisis, so organizations such as this are essential right now.
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." – Coretta Scott King.
Check out their website: https://www.figueroawufamilyfoundation.com/pilsen-food-pantry
And if you are looking to donate this holiday season, here is a link to their donation page: https://www.figueroawufamilyfoundation.com/donate
They are also looking for volunteers! It takes lots of hands to organize donations so your time is very valuable.