Vernon Township to march in Lincolnshire Independence Day Parade

On Tuesday, July 4, Vernon Township Food Pantry volunteers will be marching in Lincolnshire's annual Independence Day Parade and accepting donations to help restock the shelves of the township's food pantry. The parade begins at 10 a.m., at the corner of Lincolnshire Drive and Londonderry Lane, in Lincolnshire.

Residents are encouraged to bring nonperishable items, including pasta, pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese, condiments, beans, rice, canned protein, canned fruit, canned veggies (except green beans), toilet paper and paper towels. Cards that include a QR code on them will also be handed out by the township with a list of the food pantry's most needed items - and information on how to donate in the future.

The Vernon Township Food Pantry has been open for more than 25 years and is a "client choice" model, which allows residents who utilize the pantry to select the items that they prefer, which leads to less food waste and higher efficiency. The most popular food items are recorded, and that list is used each season to create a wishlist.

"Independence Day represents, in part, hope and community, which is exactly what our residents who are experiencing challenges need," said township Supervisor Jonathan Altenberg. "The township is grateful for this opportunity to spread awareness about our food pantry and how it serves our residents."

Before the pandemic, the food pantry served an average of 75 families per month, and now it provides food for roughly 145 families every month. The continually rising cost of living is credited in part, for this nearly 100% increase in food pantry utilization.

For individuals who need to access the Vernon Township Food Pantry, a state ID and proof of township residency is required - such as a current utility bill. It is open for registered residents on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents can also call the township for emergency food, if needed, during regular business hours, between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Food pantry donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, at the township Administrative Building, 3050 N. Main St., in Buffalo Grove. A list of the pantry's most needed items can be found on the homepage of the township website, by visiting vernontownship.com.

For information or for any questions, call Nancy Urice at the township at (847) 634-4600.