Cook County Which Wich spreads hunger relief

On Saturday, April 2, America's favorite sandwich was celebrated across the country in honor of National PB & J Day, but for Cook County's Which Wich locations, the day was a chance to give back.

The weekend of April 2-3, volunteers, employees and even Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson gathered for a Which Wich "spreading party" at the Schaumburg location, where they made 100 sandwiches to donate to the Community Crisis Center in nearby Elgin.

The group also donated PB & J materials for an additional 300 sandwiches to the Schaumburg Township Food Pantry and another 100 to The Barn Senior Program.

"It's a privilege to give back to the community that has welcomed us so warmly," said Div Patel, franchisee for both Cook County Which Wich locations.

The event is a part of Which Wich's philanthropic mission, Project PB & J. The initiative was founded by Which Wich CEO Jeff Sinelli in 2014 to help battle hunger in the brand's hometown of Dallas and across the country. PB&J was the first wich created for the brand, and Sinelli and his wife, Courtney, chose to use it as a way for Which Wich to show its support for those who are less fortunate.

Through Project PB&J, for every PB & J sandwich purchased at a Which Wich location, one is also donated to a local charitable organization and another is banked in the brand's global fund for emergency situations. Charity partners through the program include Boys and Girls Clubs, The Salvation Army and homeless and emergency shelters.

"No child, or any person for that matter, should go to bed hungry, but it's a sad reality that exists even in affluent neighborhoods," said Yera Patel, wife of franchisee Div Patel. "A meal as simple as a PB&J can ensure that it doesn't happen."

Patel owns the Hoffman Estates Which Wich on Sutton Road, as well as the Schaumburg location.

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